Prince Harry’s team has rejected claims that his recent visit to the UK was an attempt to drive a wedge between King Charles and Prince William.
The Duke of Sussex met his father at Clarence House on September 10 for a private tea, marking their first in-person meeting in 19 months. Harry’s spokesperson told The Sun, “Categorically not. Harry is not trying to drive a wedge between the Prince of Wales and the king.”
A source close to Prince William also dismissed reports of tension as “rubbish.” Both Charles and William have been spending time together at Balmoral, and were seen together during US President Donald Trump’s state visit earlier this month.
There have been reports of discussions between Harry’s team and Buckingham Palace about arranging public engagements to bring him and his father together, though claims that he could return in a “half-in, half-out” royal role have been denied. In May, Harry expressed a desire to reconcile with his family, though it is believed he has not spoken to William for some time.
During the London meeting, a framed photograph of Harry’s children, Archie and Lilibet, was reportedly given to the king. In return, Charles presented a gift to Harry for his 41st birthday on September 15. The king has not seen his grandchildren since Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, amid concerns raised by Harry about their safety traveling to the UK.
Last week, a source told the Daily Mail that there had been an “attempt to manufacture division” between Charles and William. They said, “In reality, no such rift exists. Their relationship is as strong as ever. They are aligned in their work, with many areas of shared interest, and united in their vision for the role of the royal family.”
Royal author Tina Brown suggested King Charles currently feels “less irritated” by Harry than he does by William, particularly regarding the Prince of Wales’ work ethic. Meanwhile, reports indicate William is unhappy with Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s proximity to the family amid ongoing scandals linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein. Royal author Andrew Lownie told Vanity Fair, “William’s view is that his father needs to take a firmer line with Andrew. He wants this problem solved and has no sentimental attachment to Andrew. He has no time for Andrew, and he can see how toxic the Yorks are.”