INSIDE HARRY'S EMOTIONAL RETURN

The Duke of Sussex is finally reunited with his father, the King, at Clarence House, amid a busy schedule of engagements with charities, causes and supporters

- EMILY NASH

It was the reunion the Duke of Sussex had longed for – a chance to talk face to face with his father, whom he had not seen for 19 months.

And when he joined the King for a private tea at Clarence House last week, his visit immediately made headlines across the world.

The meeting had been “under consideration” for some time, HELLO! understands, and a window left clear in both men's diaries, but neither side would be drawn in advance on whether it would happen.

Harry’s more relaxed, buoyant demeanour in the days leading up to his visit to Clarence House, however, led some observers to conclude that it was only a matter of time.

In the event, Buckingham Palace would only confirm that the Duke had joined his father for a private tea as his car pulled out of the gates, 54 minutes after he had been pictured arriving.

It may have been brief, but for Harry, who has made no secret of his desire for reconciliation with his father, the visit came as a welcome boost.

“He would like a relationship with his father. There's no doubt about that,” says a source who has known Harry for many years.

“I don’t think he’s completely dropped the idea of feeling that he has been wronged in certain ways by the institution, but he would rather the opportunity for reconciliation.

“With the passing of time, everything softens, especially when close family members are ill; that focuses the mind somewhat. He’s willing to be a bit more at peace with things, rather than battling constantly. It’s taken its toll.”

MOMENTOUS MEETING

The King hosted his younger son between an investiture for the Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg and an audience with Peter Malinauskas, the premier of South Australia, having flown back to London from Balmoral for a meeting of the privy council at St James's Palace.

“He will be happy that it has happened,” the King’s biographer Robert Hardman tells HELLO!.