Father and son meet privately after 18 months apart
Prince Harry and his father King Charles came face-to-face on Wednesday for the first time in 18 months, meeting for a private hour-long tea at Clarence House. The King had flown from Aberdeen Airport to London for the occasion, while the Duke of Sussex was already in the city as part of a four-day visit to the United Kingdom. Buckingham Palace confirmed the reunion shortly after it took place.
Later that evening, Harry was asked about the meeting while attending an event for his Invictus Games organisation. “Yes, he’s great, thank you,” he replied. He then went on to deliver a keynote address at the first-ever Invictus Horizons gathering, where he reflected on the impact of the Games.
“This is what Invictus does best: it catalyses change,” Harry told the audience. “It shows what is possible when courage is met with opportunity, and when recovery is supported by respect and community.” He added that while he is proud of what Invictus has achieved in its first decade, the next ten years will be even more significant. “The best is yet to come,” he said.
The brief meeting with his father is seen as part of broader efforts to mend their strained relationship. In recent months, there have been signs of a thaw, including talks between Harry’s team and the King’s communications secretary. Reports also suggest Harry has offered to share his schedule with the Royal Family to avoid future clashes. Though short, their meeting is being viewed as a hopeful step toward reconciliation.
