Mystery over King Charles and Prince Harry 'leak' as questions asked about Sussex motive

For five long years, royal watchers have wondered whether the Windsor rift would ever be bridged. Now, leaked information and bombshell photos suggest peace could be on the horizon for the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family - but it won't be easy.

Last week, in what is regarded as the first significant communication in many years, Prince Harry’s right-hand woman, Meredith Maines, flew to London from California to meet with King Charles' communications chief, Tobyn Andreae. Liam Maguire, who runs the Sussexes’ UK PR team, was also in attendance.

It's understood that the two parties conversed over “informal drinks” on the sun-drenched terrace, the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL), a private member's club which, tellingly, has a history of promoting friendship across the globe.

In the spring of 2020, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made the shock decision to step down as senior working royals and begin a new life in the US. In the years since, Harry, 40, has opened up on repeated occasions about the chasm between himself and his family, most notably in his 2023 memoir, Spare.

Now, it would appear that some of the frost has thawed, with the two sides having taken the first tentative steps of mending long-fractured relations.

Unfortunately, this delicate process has been rocked somewhat after details of the secret peace treaty were leaked, reportedly causing dismay in both camps. Here, the Mirror takes a look inside the meeting, which could well open up a new chapter for the warring family.

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'Informal' talks

As reported by the Mail on Sunday, the topic of Harry returning to a more formal role within the royal fold was not discussed during the hush-hush meeting, held mere minutes away from Clarence House. However, both teams expressed a desire to avoid any media clashes or calendar conflicts going forward.

In May last year, a timetable clash between Charles' royal garden party and Harry's Invictus Games event meant the father and son were not able to meet during the Duke's brief visit to the UK.

According to a source close to the situation, “There was no formal agenda. But both sides came to the table ready to talk. It’s the first real channel of communication we’ve seen in years.”

The source also told the publication that “the meeting was with Harry’s blessing", while Buckingham Palace also reportedly supports plans to “open a channel of communication.”

After wrapping up drinks, it's understood that Silicon Valley strategist Maines jetted back to the Sussexes’ £15 million Montecito mansion, where Harry was given a full briefing.

Family 'pain'

Although it's currently unclear who made the first move towards arranging a summit, this meeting has been viewed as a clear sign that both parties wish to move forward and build a more positive familial relationship.

Just two months ago, in a candid BBC interview, Prince Harry opened up about his heartache over not being on speaking terms with Charles, claiming his father “won’t speak to me because of this security stuff,” in reference to the Sussexes fighting against the removal of their police protection in the UK.

Emphasising that he would “love a reconciliation”, Harry went on to clarify that he had “forgiven” family members following their “disagreements". He reflected: “There’s no point continuing to fight anymore, life is precious."

Meanwhile, it's believed the King holds out hope of rebuilding a bond with Harry, and getting to know his young grandchildren, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.

Shortly before Harry's interview with the Beeb, royal sources advised The Sun that while Charles remained "frustrated" by his youngest son's behaviour, the door had "not been locked forever".

“The King is at heart a loving and generous man. That love has been sorely tested by this case and so many other issues over recent times. But there is now a chance for his son to move forward rather than dwell on past grievances," the insider said.

“From his father’s perspective, the door has been shut by necessity while this painful issue played out through the proper judicial channels — but it has not been locked forever nor the key thrown away."

Leak mystery

After details of the meeting leaked, social media users speculated over who exactly spilt the bombshell information, with some speculating that an individual from the Sussex camp could have been responsible.

Others also went as far as to suggest that this could well have been a test set for Prince Harry, to see if he could be trusted to keep things private before any sort of reconciliation process could begin.

However, sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes say the couple have been frustrated by the leak and deny giving away any information. The Daily Telegraph reports that, unfortunately, the emergence of the snaps has led to yet more distrust on both sides, while a source close to Harry has said the images being made public made for a disastrous start toward what was intended to be a quiet peacemaking process.

Meanwhile, there is said to be a “weary disappointment” behind Palace doors, over both the photos and leaked talks.

William's role

Although Prince William’s team were notably not involved in the London summit, it's believed that the talks would not have gone ahead without the heir to the throne being consulted beforehand. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Mail Online: "The King would never have made these moves without William's support and understanding. William and Catherine are the future of the monarchy.

"He has undoubtedly been furious at the way the Sussexes have behaved and undoubtedly regards Harry's behaviour as treason of a sort. They reportedly have not spoken in over two years.'

Looking ahead to any future bond between the two estranged brothers, it would appear there is still some way to go. During his recent BBC interview, Harry appeared to make reference to William, admitting that “some members of my family will never forgive me” for writing Spare, which included details of rows between the siblings.

At the time of writing, it doesn't appear that William has any plans to meet with his younger brother, despite opportunities presenting themselves in the months to come.

Next steps

With the first all-important step taken, royal watchers will no doubt be keeping an eye out to see what unfolds next. And there are some significant dates in the calendar coming up.

In September, Prince Harry will be travelling to the UK for the annual WellChild events, which could present an opportunity for him to meet face to face with King Charles for the first time in 18 months.

Meanwhile, just last month, The Mail on Sunday revealed that The Duke of Sussex had extended an olive branch to the Royal Family by inviting them to the 2027 Invictus Games, set to be held in Birmingham. It's understood that senior palace aides are currently considering this proposal, which could see a public mending of bridges.

This comes at a time when sources claim Prince Harry has been touching base with old UK confidants in an attempt to orchestrate his “return from exile,” following alleged disillusionment with US-based advisors.

As the first-ever chief communications officer for the Sussexes, Maines is understood to be at the helm of this royal rehabilitation campaign, having masterminded Meghan’s Netflix project, With Love, Meghan, as well as her lifestyle brand As Ever. This is viewed as a sign that the couple are now adopting a more structured “royal-style” household, many miles away from Buckingham Palace.

At the time of writing, neither Buckingham Palace or Team Sussex have issued comments about the meeting, however, there is an air of cautious optimism amongst insiders, one of whom remarked: "Everyone wants to move forward. There’s still a long road ahead. But this was a start – and a good one.”

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