August 29, Friday: Prince Harry is poised to see his father, King Charles III, for the first time in 20 months when he returns to Britain on September 8, the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, the Mirror reported. The Duke of Sussex will attend the WellChild Awards in London, a charity he has long supported.
The trip follows Harry's unsuccessful appeal against the downgrading of his security protection in the UK. King Charles will also be in Britain during the same period, without any scheduled foreign visits until later in September, allowing father and son a chance to see each other in person for the first time since February 2024.
Prince Harry set to reunite with King Charles III after 20 months
An American source confirmed to the Mirror: "It's evident there is now a determination on both sides to make this a reality… this is about starting with Charles and Harry." The source went on to comment that with 20 months of separation, and the King still undergoing cancer treatment, "the time is right to take that step."
But the paper added that Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, will not be with him, opting to stay behind in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Charles has not seen his grandchildren since June 2022 at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Last month, Harry's communications officer, Meredith Maines, met the King's press secretary, Tobyn Andreae, at the Royal Over-Seas League in London, alongside Sussex press aide Liam Maguire. The Mirror stated the talks were considered a breakthrough, including direct health updates about the King and coordination to prevent conflicts between Sussex projects and royal events.
Sussex family relations remain strained with Prince William amid royal tensions
Harry had said earlier in May to the BBC that he was "heartbroken" at the loss of police security in Britain and acknowledged he "would love a reconciliation," although he asserted Charles "won't speak to me because of this security nonsense."
However, relations with Prince William are still strained. Another source, according to the Mirror, said that William feels Harry has opted for "public exposure over private resolution" and trust has broken down after the Sussexes relocated to North America. The publication reminded readers that Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview, Netflix show, and Harry's book Spare fueled the gap.
While Charles is reported to be willing to reconcile, William is reportedly known to have spurned any attempt at reconciliation. Representatives for Buckingham Palace and the Sussexes did not comment, the Mirror confirmed.
