Prince Harry vehemently denied a report suggesting he was taken aback by a formal meeting with King Charles, labeling the claim as entirely untrue. During a 55-minute encounter at Clarence House earlier this month, the Duke of Sussex presented his father with a framed photograph. This meeting marked Harry’s first face-to-face interaction with Charles since February 2024.
Despite his strained relationship with other members of the Royal Family following his relocation to the United States, Harry refuted a report by The Sun that implied he was surprised by the formality of the meeting with the King. Allegations that the meeting had an official tone, leading Harry to humorously liken himself to an official visitor, were dismissed by a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex.
The spokesperson clarified, “Recent claims regarding The Duke’s perception of the meeting’s tone are entirely false. Reports suggesting otherwise are fabricated, likely disseminated by sources aiming to hinder any reconciliation between father and son. It has been disclosed that gifts were exchanged, including a framed photograph devoid of the Duke and Duchess.”
In response, a representative from The Sun acknowledged Harry confirming the gift exchange and mentioned updating their online article to reflect his rebuttal. During the meeting at Clarence House, Harry and Charles exchanged gifts and cheek kisses. Harry gifted his father the framed photograph, while Charles presented Harry with a birthday gift as he was soon to turn 41.
Charles, who had not seen Archie and Lilibet since the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, received reassurances from Harry about the safety concerns of flying back to the UK. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Harry emphasized the importance of focusing on his father, expressing his enduring love for the UK. Despite speculations of a potential return to royal duties, Harry seems unlikely to resume such responsibilities, dispelling earlier discussions of a hybrid role within The Firm.