HARRY'S EMOTIONAL RETURN

The Duke of Sussex finally reunites with dad King Charles after almost two years while in London for a flurry of engagements

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It was a reunion that the Duke of Sussex had longed for – a chance for a face-to-face talk with his father, whom he had not seen for 19 months. And when he joined the King at Clarence House, his visit made headlines around the world.

The meeting had been “under consideration” for some time, Hello! understands, and a window was left clear in both men's calendars, but neither side would be drawn in advance on whether it would happen. Harry's more buoyant demeanour in the days leading up to his rendezvous at the royal residence, however, led some observers to conclude that it was only a matter of time.

Afterward, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the duke had joined his father for a “private tea” as his car pulled out of the gates, 54 minutes after he was pictured arriving.

Christopher Andersen, author of The King: The Life of Charles III, sees the royal reunion as a positive sign. “It is a good first step in the right direction – albeit a small one,” he tells Hello! Canada. “At least this time, Harry got an extra 25 minutes with his father – their last meeting [in February 2024] lasted less than half an hour.”

The visit may have been brief, but for the duke – who has made no secret of his desire for reconciliation – it 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 [have] 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.”