The Duke of Sussex’s aides recently met with King Charles’ communications secretary, an apparent olive branch after years of estrangement
Prince Harry has reportedly offered to share his official schedule of engagements and outings with the royal family, in what appears to be the latest attempt to ease tensions between the sides after years of estrangement.
In addition, sharing diaries could also hint toward the two camps finding a time for Prince Harry and King Charles to meet in person. The father and son were last together in February 2024, when the Duke of Sussex flew from California to the U.K. to see the King following the announcement of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. After a brief meeting between the two at Clarence House, Harry left the U.K. a day after his arrival.
The latest report comes after a private meeting was held on July 9 in London between two of Prince Harry’s aides and King Charles’ communications secretary.
“It was a good first step,” an insider told PEOPLE. “It is always better to be talking.” Some close to the palace have downplayed the meeting, framing it as a professional exchange between communications staff. However, the meeting may have marked a tentative reopening of lines between father and son after years of near silence. “It’s a positive step,” the insider said. “There’s optimism that it can be taken forward.” In May, the Duke of Sussex said in an interview with the BBC that he would “love reconciliation with my family.” “There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” he said, adding, “I don’t know how much longer my father has,” seemingly referencing King Charles’ cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
Despite apparent progress in Prince Harry and King Charles’ relationship, Prince William and Kate Middleton were reportedly unaware of the meeting between the teams, underscoring the ongoing strain between the brothers.
“It’s no coincidence that William and Catherine did not have a representative at the Royal Over-Seas League,” a friend reportedly told the Daily Mail. “They were not asked to send anyone and will be treating the talks with extreme caution.” The friend added, “The fact that it ended up in the newspapers tells you all you need to know.”