Prince Harry is reportedly taking steps towards a reconciliation with his father, King Charles, as aides from both sides have arranged what’s being dubbed a ‘peace summit’. This development marks a hopeful turn in their relationship, although Prince William doesn’t seem to be part of these discussions at the moment.
While Harry and the King are open to exploring ways to resolve their family rift, there’s no indication that Harry intends to resume his role as a working Royal. A source disclosed: “The meeting was with Harry’s blessing.”
It’s also understood that Buckingham Palace is in favour of initiatives to “open a channel of communication.” Harry’s next trip to the UK is scheduled for September, potentially marking his first encounter with his father in a year and a half.
Details of the discreet negotiations have emerged, revealing they took place at an exclusive members’ club close to Clarence House, signalling what insiders hope could be the beginning of a “rapprochement process” between the Sussexes and the Royal Family, reports the Mirror.
The secret gathering is said to have occurred last week, with Harry’s trusted confidante, Meredith Maines, travelling from California to meet with the King’s communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae, at the neutral venue of the Royal Over-Seas League.
Liam Maguire, who leads the Sussexes’ UK public relations team, was also present at the gathering, where the trio enjoyed what one insider termed “informal drinks” on the club’s garden terrace.
A source in the know disclosed to MailOnline: “There was no formal agenda. But both sides came to the table ready to talk. It’s the first real channel of communication we’ve seen in years.”
The identity of the initiator of the talks remains unknown, yet many are viewing this meeting as the strongest indication yet of a mutual wish to repair the family relationship after years of drama.
Maines, looking sharp in a sophisticated cream jacket with heels and toting a black Louis Vuitton bag, is said to have flown straight back to the Sussexes’ posh £15 million Montecito residence post-conference, where she likely debriefed Harry on the discussions.
The King, reportedly eager to forge new ties with his youngest son and spend time with his grandchildren Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, has consistently been seen as the most open among the Royals to reconciliation. This meeting comes just two months after Harry’s revealing BBC interview, during which he lamented that Charles “won’t speak to me because of this security stuff,” alluding to the controversial stripping of his police protection while in Britain.
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