Palace’s Quiet Strategy for King Charles and Prince Harry Reunion Revealed by Insider
Ever since the Sussex couple moved overseas with their children, things have been less than pleasant in the royal household.
A father meeting his son every once in a while should not warrant as much security protocol as it does when King Charles and Prince Harry meet for a cup of tea. But ever since the Sussex couple moved overseas with their children, things have been less than pleasant in the royal household. Now, if Harry wants to meet his father, the King, his aides have to follow a very strict protocol. The upcoming reunion looks more and more complicated with each passing day.
According to royal insider Kinsey Schofield, “The King’s private secretaries are also known to remain on standby, ready to step in if a conversation becomes uncomfortable or a difficult request is made, ending the meeting by reminding the King that his next engagement requires additional travel time and that he needs to leave.” Speaking to Page Six, she elaborated on the matter, saying, “During meetings, a housemaid or butler serving tea may intentionally linger rather than immediately leave the room. It is the King and his courtiers who have carefully strategized how to engage with Prince Harry, often ensuring there are subtle witnesses in the room.”
Allegedly, this ‘risk management’ protocol has been in place since before Queen Elizabeth II passed away, possibly since the release of Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview back in March 2021. And now that Charles is the King, this protocol has become even more foolproof. Schofield further explained that “Palace aides or trusted friends were often present during meetings and on phone calls, both as witnesses and to provide support if needed.” It is more about protecting the firm than the relationship between the father and son.
“Buckingham Palace now approaches every interaction with Prince Harry through the lens of protecting the institution rather than preserving the relationship,” she claimed. “That might sound sad to some, but from the Palace’s perspective, the pattern of the last several years has left them believing that many of Harry’s decisions have ultimately served his own interests rather than the family’s.”
For the Sussexes' upcoming trip to the US, where they are allegedly staying at Buckingham Palace or some other royal estate, the palace aides are being even more cautious. There have even been reports of Queen Camilla wanting to be present for any meeting that might take place between her husband and stepson.
Schofield reacted to these reports, saying, “My understanding is that Queen Camilla has little appetite for engaging with Harry and Meghan. She will support the King whenever he asks, but she sees no value in revisiting old grievances.” The trust factor is missing between these two parties, and to rebuild that trust will be “incredibly difficult.”
“Past experience has taught the Palace to approach any proposed meeting with caution,” Schofield said. “Charles has demonstrated that he’s willing to keep his distance when conversations become centered on money or contentious family issues… The idea that he needs Queen Camilla to shield him from his youngest son simply doesn’t fit with the decisions he’s made over the past several years.” While there are reports suggesting that Charles is eager to meet with his son, even more with his two grandchildren—Archie and Lilibet—it won’t be that easy to achieve.
