Prince Harry and King Charles have reunited in person for the first time since February 2024. The emotional meeting comes just days after the 76-year-old monarch revealed he is being treated for an undisclosed cancer. People reported that Harry, 40, arrived at Clarence House, the King’s London residence, at 5:20 p.m. local time on September 10. He returned to the U.K. on September 8 to support several of his key charities and causes.
During his visit, Harry paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth on the third anniversary of her death and attended the WellChild Awards. The following day, he traveled to Nottingham, about 130 miles north of London, to spotlight programs supporting young people.
Prince Harry Returns to U.K. for Key Charities & Royal Engagements
LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty ImagesThe reunion was a landmark moment for the father and son. Sources told People magazine that King Charles had not been taking Harry’s calls, leaving messages unanswered. Harry previously expressed his hope for reconciliation, telling BBC News in May that he would love a “reconciliation.”
He acknowledged that some of his past actions, including writing his memoir “Spare,” complicated communication with family members.
First Meeting Since February 2024 Marks a Landmark Moment
(Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)Communication began to improve in July when Harry’s new aides met with one of the King’s key staffers. An insider described the encounter as an olive branch, saying, “It was a good first step. It is always better to be talking.”
That same month, Harry reportedly offered to share his official schedule with the royal family. The move aimed to increase transparency and avoid conflicts between his public appearances with Meghan Markle and other royal engagements.
Reopening Lines of Communication Between Harry & King Charles
Harry has visited the U.K. several times in the last 18 months, but those trips did not include meetings with close family. He attended the funeral of his uncle Lord Robert Fellowes in August, the Invictus Games 10th anniversary in May 2024, and the WellChild Awards in September 2024.
His April visit to conclude his appeal over the removal of his taxpayer-funded security added complexity. King Charles, as titular head of government, could have faced a difficult legal position if they discussed the case.
Royal observers note that a face-to-face meeting was overdue. Historian Ed Owens told People magazine, “I would like to think the King will take that step toward reconciliation with Harry in due course.”
Although the meeting with King Charles was a hopeful step, Prince Harry’s relationship with Prince William remains strained. Even being only eight miles apart on September 10 did little to bridge the deep divide between the brothers.
