Camilla absent as father and son share tea after nearly two years apart
Prince Harry may be one step closer to mending ties with his family after receiving what many see as a clear gesture of reconciliation from King Charles.
During Harry’s four-day visit to the UK, the Duke of Sussex met with his father for the first time in 19 months. Their private meeting, held at Clarence House, lasted just under an hour but carried strong symbolic meaning. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the two shared tea, and royal sources revealed that a classic British tea service was prepared — complete with Harry’s favourite dessert, a chocolate biscuit cake.
What stood out most, however, was who was not in the room. Queen Camilla, who had been present during Harry’s visit in 2022 following the King’s cancer diagnosis, was notably absent this time. Royal author Sally Bedell Smith said her absence “signalled something to [Harry] that he could be trusted one-on-one.”
Insiders described the meeting as a hopeful turning point. A source with ties to both the royals and the Sussexes told People Magazine that the encounter “shows the way forward” and marks “a good starting point.” Another palace insider added: “Whatever has gone on in the past, it is good to see the family trying to repair itself or communicate at least. Everyone has to have compassion for all sides.”
Even Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman, Ailsa Anderson, weighed in, calling the meeting “a massive step in the right direction” and a “building of trust.”
For Harry, the King’s warm welcome and Camilla’s absence may signal that reconciliation, once thought impossible, is finally within reach.
