Royal expert warns Duke may risk reconciliation by turning private talks into media storm
As hopes of a royal reconciliation flicker between Prince Harry and King Charles III, a new wave of criticism threatens to derail the delicate progress.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have come under fire following the publication of photos showing their top aides—Meredith Maines, Harry's chief of staff and communications director, and Liam Maguire, the couple's U.K. spokesperson—meeting with King Charles’ communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae, in London on July 9.
Initially seen as the “first step” toward mending the father-son rift, the quiet summit was later met with skepticism after the images surfaced, prompting some to question whether the meeting was being used for publicity.
Royal commentator Eric Schiffer, speaking to Express, slammed the Sussexes' approach, accusing them of jeopardizing the peace talks by allowing a private conversation to become public spectacle. “If this is a peace deal, why does every shutter click crack like a gunshot at the Firm's credibility?” he said, warning the move could result in “reputational carnage.”
He criticized Harry for disrupting what was reportedly intended to be a discreet conversation initiated by King Charles during his ongoing cancer treatment. "Charles craves calm; Harry brings carnival barkers with cameras," Schiffer added.
Suggesting that Harry had undercut his own efforts, the expert warned, “Don't torch your own olive branch—Harry just napalmed his.”
While neither side has issued an official statement on the meeting, the timing of the backlash may complicate future discussions. As King Charles continues his recovery and Harry prepares for his next visit to the UK, the road to royal reconciliation may be more fragile than ever.
