King Charles has reportedly been left “saddened and perplexed” by Prince Harry’s latest claim that the institution is “sabotaging” his relationship with his father. The Duke of Sussex appeared to accuse courtiers of leaking information about a meeting with his father this month.
Amid reports that Harry claimed “men in grey suits” were responsible, a royal source said: “The reality is that senior aides have been working behind the scenes to improve what is a delicate but important private family relationship.”
Harry met the King on September 10 during his four-day visit to the UK, with the pair having “a private tea” at Clarence House in London. The Duke, who travelled to the UK without Meghan Markle and their two children, appeared relaxed after their meeting.
Speaking to guests at a charity reception in London that evening, Harry simply said that his father was “great”.
The Sun later reported that the meeting was “distinctly formal”, with Harry reportedly describing the reunion as “very official, like an official visit”.
Harry’s spokesperson said: “Recent reporting of the Duke’s view of the tone of the meeting, is categorically false.
“The quotes attributed to him are pure invention – fed, one can only assume, by sources intent on sabotaging any reconciliation between father and son.”
During their meeting, Harry is said to have gifted King Charles a framed photograph of himself pictured with Meghan, Archie and Lilibet to mark their reunion.
The King has not seen his two youngest grandchildren – six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet – since their last visit to the UK in June 2022.
The King is also said to have gifted Harry a birthday present, with the royal celebrating turning 41 just days after their meeting.
