Prince Harry’s first meeting with King Charles in four years also involved Queen Camilla, palace confirms
Queen Camilla was present when Prince Harry reunited with King Charles at Highgrove House, Buckingham Palace has confirmed, marking another part of the private family meeting that took place on July 10.
The meeting brought Harry together with his father for the first time in months and also marked the first time King Charles had seen Meghan Markle and their California-based children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in four years.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Camilla attended the private gathering but said no photographs would be released and that details of the conversation would remain private.
Royal author Catherine Mayer said Camilla’s involvement was significant because of her position in the King’s life.
“She is a non-negotiable part of Charles’ life,” Mayer told PEOPLE. “There is no reconciliation with him without her.”
A source close to the royal family also said keeping details of such meetings private was important.
“It is better that people don’t know anything about these meetings,” the source said. “They should be allowed to rekindle those family ties.”
Harry’s relationship with Camilla has previously been complicated. In his 2023 memoir, Spare, the Duke of Sussex wrote about his feelings surrounding Charles’ marriage to Camilla in 2005, years after the breakdown of Charles’ marriage to Princess Diana.
Harry alleged that Camilla had worked to improve her public image and claimed she was involved in stories shared with the media about members of the royal family.
Speaking on Good Morning America in 2023, Harry said his feelings toward his stepmother had changed over time.
“She had a reputation or an image to rehabilitate,” he said, while discussing the early years of Charles and Camilla’s relationship.
Asked about their relationship at the time, Harry said they were able to remain civil.
“We haven’t spoken for a long time. I love every member of my family, despite the differences,” he said. “When I see her, we’re perfectly pleasant with each other.”
He added: “She’s my stepmother. I don’t look at her as an evil stepmother. I see someone who married into this institution, and done everything she can to improve her own reputation and her own image.”
Harry’s July visit to the U.K. came as he attended charity engagements, but the trip also took place amid ongoing tensions with the royal family.
The visit followed a public disagreement between Harry and Buckingham Palace over accommodation arrangements, as well as his legal defeat in a separate court matter. The wider family divide, particularly between Harry and his brother Prince William, remains unresolved.
Royal author Russell Myers said the tensions surrounding the visit may have affected relations between Harry and the King.
“There were U-turns and backtracks, and it will have all added to the complete exasperation of the King and his aides when dealing with Harry,” Myers said.
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