Prince Harry’s private Highgrove reunion with King Charles was not only a father-son moment. One reality Harry cannot avoid if he wants a warmer relationship with his father again, is that Queen Camilla is part of Charles’ life and part of the room.
People reported that Camilla was present when Harry visited Highgrove House on July 10 with Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
InStyle reported that friends of Harry said the meeting left him feeling “buoyed,” “very happy” and “energized,” even after a difficult U.K. week.
Camilla’s Presence Changed the Meaning of the Visit
The meeting marked the first time in four years that Charles had seen Meghan, Archie and Lilibet. Reuters reported that Charles and Camilla received Harry’s family at the King’s Gloucestershire estate, and a palace source described the visit as a private family occasion.
Royal author Catherine Mayer told People that Camilla is a “non-negotiable” part of Charles’ life and that there is no reconciliation with the King that does not include her.
In his memoir Spare, Harry wrote critically about Camilla and accused her of sacrificing him on what he called her personal PR altar. He later told Good Morning America that he did not see her as an “evil stepmother,” but said they had not spoken for a long time.
Reuters reported that the Buckingham Palace source said there would be no pictures or further information because the meeting was private.
Harry Left With Hope, But Not a Full Repair
InStyle reported that Harry’s friends said he ended the week feeling happy and encouraged after seeing his father. The reunion came after security tensions, legal disappointment and uncertainty over whether Meghan and the children would make it to Britain at all.
Harry and Prince William did not meet, and People reported separately that the brothers remain out of contact.