Prince Harry has finally put speculation to rest by confirming that he met King Charles for a private tea session during his stay in London.
The Duke of Sussex, who originally flew to the UK to attend the WellChild Awards and honor Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy, admitted during an Invictus Games reception that he and his father had sat down together earlier in the day.
The revelation comes after weeks of conjecture over whether King Charles would agree to see his youngest son, amid ongoing tensions within the Royal Family.
According to reports, the meeting took place at Clarence House around 3.45pm on September 11, shortly after the monarch returned from Scotland. His Majesty is said to have cut short his summer retreat at Balmoral Castle in order to see Prince Harry face to face.
The Duke confirmed the news at The Gherkin, where he arrived fashionably late to the Invictus Games event. Scheduled for 6.45pm, his appearance was delayed until 7.24pm — a delay Harry attributed to his tea with the King.
When asked by guests how his father was doing, Harry replied warmly: “Yes, he’s great, thank you.” His reassuring words hinted at a softer moment between the father and son after years of strained communication.
Harry even lightened the mood by joking with attendees: “I think this whole thing has been delayed slightly, so at this point you’re all hammered – which was part of the plan all along, stuck up here at the top of the Gherkin.”
Royal watchers were quick to label the meeting a breakthrough. For months, insiders claimed King Charles had avoided Harry’s calls and messages, fueling speculation that the father son relationship had grown colder than ever.
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This is the first time Harry has publicly acknowledged seeing his father since February 2024, when he flew to London days after the King revealed he was undergoing treatment for cancer. The new meeting suggests that communication may finally be improving between them.
Observers believe this development is especially significant, given Harry’s candid admission in his BBC News interview earlier this year that he longed for reconciliation but feared his family had not forgiven him for writing his memoir Spare.
For King Charles, who has balanced his new role as monarch alongside health challenges, the reunion with Harry may represent a step toward unity during a fragile period for the Crown. For Harry, it demonstrates his willingness to rebuild bonds, even if cautiously.
Yet, despite the progress with his father, tensions remain unresolved with Prince William. Reports continue to suggest that the rift between the brothers is “profound” and unlikely to heal without a direct apology from Harry.
Royal historian Robert Lacey has previously emphasized that William’s trust has been damaged and reconciliation will require more than symbolic gestures. “The rift is very long lasting,” he explained, warning that it may take years before the brothers find common ground again.
Still, the tea at Clarence House is being hailed as a turning point. For the first time in months, King Charles and Prince Harry appear to be on speaking terms, and insiders are hopeful that further meetings could follow.
As the Duke of Sussex continues his UK visit, which includes charity events and engagements for the Invictus Games, all eyes will be on whether this unexpected reunion signals the start of something greater — or simply a rare moment of civility
