Harry Issues Rare Statement Over ‘Categorically False’ Rumors About His Reunion With Charles
King Charles finally met Prince Harry on September 10, during the Duke’s trip to the UK, signaling a thaw in their strained relationship. Although the father and son met for just 55 minutes, it was significantly longer than their last encounter in February 2024. While the press celebrated the reunion, some painted a less flattering picture. After a report claimed that Harry felt like an ‘official visitor’ during the meeting, the Duke swiftly set the record straight, calling the claims ‘categorically false.’
On September 26, The Sun reported that Harry had allegedly described the meeting as "very official, like an official visit," to a family friend. Sources quoted also alleged that Harry gifted the King a framed photo of himself with his family. Shortly after, a spokesperson for the Duke told PEOPLE, "Recent reporting of The Duke’s view of the tone of the meeting is categorically false." They added, "The quotes attributed to him are pure invention fed, one can only assume, by sources intent on sabotaging any reconciliation between father and son. Presumably, those same sources have also chosen to disclose that gifts were exchanged."
The spokesperson further clarified that while the Prince did gift Charles a photo, it did not include him or Meghan Markle in the frame, just Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. They continued, "While we would have preferred such details to remain private, for the sake of clarity, we can confirm that a framed photograph was handed over; however, the image did not contain the Duke and Duchess."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for The Sun explained, "The office of the Duke of Sussex was given full right of reply yesterday in advance of publication and opted not to give a response to The Sun’s carefully sourced account of the meeting. We have today updated the online article to include his new statement."
As for the reunion, Charles and Harry had met for private tea at Clarence House at 5:20 pm. Shortly after the meetup, the Prince gave a rare update on his father’s health during a special reception for the Invictus Games. When a reporter asked how Charles was, he replied, "Yes, he’s great, thank you." In his interview with The Guardian later, Harry further revealed that he is now ‘closer’ to bringing Archie and Lilibet to the UK, now that his meeting was successful.
Meanwhile, sources close to the King revealed that a handwritten letter from Harry acted as a catalyst for the meetup. An insider told Us Weekly, "The meeting was sparked by a handwritten letter from Harry earlier this year to Charles expressing his desire to reconnect...They were catching up personally about the children and what has been going on with Charles and his health." They described the encounter as 'super positive,' 'very relaxed,' and, above all, 'very emotional.’