King Charles is said to be disheartened by Prince Harry’s suggestion that some people may be attempting to derail their reconciliation.

On September 10, the 76-year-old monarch and his 41-year-old son met at Clarence House, the King’s London residence, during Harry’s four-day trip to the UK. The meeting, which lasted around 55 minutes over tea, was their first face-to-face encounter since February last year and was seen as a possible first step toward healing their strained bond.

That same evening, Harry attended a charity event where he described Charles as “great.” Palace aides noted he seemed pleased to be back in the UK.

Reports of a “Formal” Meeting

Speculation quickly followed. Some reports suggested Harry might join a few public engagements in Britain, with hopes of him spending more time with his father.

Yet, royal sources stressed that Harry could not operate in a “half-in, half-out” royal capacity. As one insider reportedly told the Mail on Sunday: “Whoever is behind them seems to have mistaken a brief tea and a slice of cake for the Treaty of Versailles.”

Later, The Sun published alleged details of the meeting, claiming Harry was surprised by how “distinctly formal” it felt and that he presented Charles with a framed photograph of his children, Archie and Lilibet.

Harry’s Spokesman Denies Reports

Prince Harry’s team quickly rejected the claims. In a statement, his spokesman said: “Recent reporting of The Duke’s view of the tone of the meeting, is categorically false.

“The quotes attributed to him are pure invention fed, one can only assume, by sources intent on sabotaging any reconciliation between father and son. Presumably, those same sources have also chosen to disclose that gifts were exchanged.”

The spokesman clarified that while a framed photo was given, it only featured Archie and Lilibet, not Harry and Meghan.

Palace Response

Buckingham Palace insiders later told The Telegraph that Harry’s talk of “sabotage” was seen as “counterproductive.” One source added: “It’s very sad, especially because everyone has been working hard behind the scenes to make the private relationship work.”

Palace aides stressed that all sides — particularly King Charles himself — are keen for father and son to be on better terms.

Concerns for Archie and Lilibet

Amid the family tensions, some commentators have voiced concern for Harry’s children. It is believed that King Charles last saw Archie and Lilibet in June 2022 during Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee. Archie was three at the time, while Lilibet celebrated her first birthday.

Royal expert Hugo Vickers told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show: “I worry about the children because there’s going to come a point when they’re going to say, why haven’t I met my grandfather on either side?

“And so he’s storing up a lot of, you know, emotional problems for them, I think.”