Today’s meeting is a seminal moment in the bitter royal feud that has engulfed the house of Windsor for over five years. Though only brief, a face-to-face meeting marks a significant moment for father and son, who haven’t been on speaking terms for some time.
They last met over 18months ago, when Harry rushed back to the UK following the King’s shock cancer diagnosis. It had been billed as a significant step towards reconciliation, but in the months that followed tensions remained.
Trust has been the major stumbling block, as the Duke of Sussex continued to criticise the decision to withdraw his automatic right to police protection, levelling the blame at Buckingham Palace’s door.
In May, he also drew criticism for fuelling speculation about the King’s health, after saying he does not “know how much longer my father has left”,
But now he has drawn a line under his personal crusade against the Home Office, which was understood to be at the heart of the rift between father and son, there is a chance to start afresh.
The King, who sources have long claimed is “a forgiving man, who very much loves his son”, is proving that he is willing to make the first steps towards reconciliation.
Charles is eager to spend time with his grandchildren, having last seen Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, three years ago and iron out the differences with his youngest son.
It may just be one meeting, but I’m sure the whole nation will agree that the meeting has been a long time coming and marks a huge step in the right direction.
Father and son are back on speaking terms, and it paves the way for more frequent returns for the Duke, who is keen to return to homesoil.
A lot of unanswered questions remain, namely the topic of reconciliation between other members of the Royal Family and the role the Duchess of Sussex will play, but for now a chat over tea will be of some comfort to Harry, who is still attempting to find his feet after turning his back on the only life he ever knew, and a King who has been forced to confront his own mortality so early into his reign.