Within days of Prince Harry and King Charles’s communications staff meeting at a private members club in London, a royal insider has shared an insightful comment regarding their rare talks last week. It comes as a discreet London meeting between Harry and Charles’ top aides offered a flicker of hope with reconciliation.
According to People Magazine, the insider stated in just four words: “It’s a positive step.” They added: “There’s optimism that it can be taken forward.”
On July 9, Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex’s chief of staff and communications director, and Liam Maguire, the Sussexes’ UK spokesperson, were photographed meeting with Tobyn Andreae, King Charles’ communications secretary.
The informal meeting took place at the Royal Over-Seas League, a private members’ club just a short walk from Charles’ London residence, Clarence House.
The insider added: “It was a good first step. It is always better to be talking.”
Ms Maines was in London for official business tied to her new role as Chief Communications Officer to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and her visit included scheduled meetings with UK team members of the Sussex communications arm. It may mark the first step in a reconciliation between the estranged father and son.
The images were obtained by The Mail on Sunday, with the paper quoting a source saying there was no “formal agenda” to the meeting, but there were “things both sides wanted to talk about”.
Back in May, Harry confirmed his hope for family ties, telling BBC America that the door to reconciliation remains open from his side. He stated: “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.”
Harry’s comments came after he lost a key legal battle over his request for official security for himself and his family whenever he visits the UK.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped back as working royals in 2020 and are now settled in Montecito, California with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Since then, tensions have only intensified, and mainly fueled by high-profile interviews, such as their Netflix docuseries titled ‘Harry & Meghan’, and Harry’s best-selling memoir, Spare, released in January 2023.
Even after the Sussexes’ departure from the Royal family, it is reported “lines of communication” were kept open between the palace press office and the duke and duchess’ PR team on occasional matters of importance.