Ms Koenig pointed out that if Charles had just received radiotherapy or chemotherapy – something the Palace is not disclosing – then he would likely have been wiped out and wanted to rest, rather than face old family grievances.
Harry was driven to Clarence House straight from Heathrow to meet with his father, with the expert also suggesting it may have been better for them to meet in the relative peace and quiet at Sandringham.
She added: “After leaving Clarence House, Harry could’ve had a good night’s sleep, and then travelled down on the next day or so when his father is a bit settled, and after chatting with the Prime Minister.
“It also tells me, and I’m sure other people looking at it, just as a relationship between a father and a son that there is pain suffered by both and right now may not be the time to discuss what is bothering Harry and his grievances with his family.”
It is not known exactly what Harry and Charles discussed, but royal commentators have said there is reason to be optimistic about a possible thawing in relations.
During a recent TalkTV segment, royal editor Sarah Hewson said: “Perhaps this is one chance, to start healing, if Prince Harry goes back to California, and none of the conversations that have happened in the past 24 hours end up being briefed out to sources in the media. Then perhaps that might be the start of further conversations.”
It has also been debated whether Harry will return and bring the rest of his young family with him, as the King has only met his youngest grandchild Princess Lilibet once.
Since their move to the US the Sussexes have only brought Lilibet and her big brother Prince Archie back to the UK for the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Meghan then made her last trip back across the Atlantic in September 2022, just three months later, when they attended Her Late Majesty’s funeral.
