King Charles reportedly felt 'railroaded' into last year's meeting with Prince Harry

When King Charles and Prince Harry met at Clarence House for tea last September, it was seen by many as a sign the frost was finally thawing between the father and son.

But a royal expert has now revealed she believes the King was 'slightly railroaded' into the much talked about meeting – the first in 19 months – and remains 'wary' of welcoming him back into royal circles.

Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English said while "much has been made of their meeting at Clarence House in September", the lead up to the meeting was fraught.

"In truth, [King Charles] knew that if he refused to meet Harry, then this would inevitably have been 'weaponised' against him at some point in the future," she wrote.

"Better to meet and then retreat instead.

"And while [royals circles] are reluctant to comment on the circumstances – knowing how hysterical the Sussexes can be about perceived palace briefings and leaks – the impression I get is that the King felt slightly railroaded into it."

In fact, shortly after the meeting took place, Harry's camp responded to media reports that the meeting was "distinctly formal" by saying there were sources "intent on sabotaging any reconciliation between father and son".

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Harry's statement reportedly saddened the King and left him perplexed that he was again commenting on family matters via the press.

So while it emerged this week that Prince Harry may be close to winning back his taxpayer-funded security provision after being granted a full risk assessment, this may not equate to more visits between the King and his son, who is reportedly desperate for this to happen.

One reported hope of Prince Harry is that his father will visit him and his young family at their home in California when the monarch visits the US on an official tour in April.

Charles has not seen his grandchildren, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, since they visited the UK in 2022 as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

He has reportedly instead relied on Facetime calls with his grandchildren.

The Sun has quoted a source which said, "Harry has made it clear that he would love his dad to come and visit him and the family.

"He knows that they are strained, but he has mentioned several times a hope that his father can have a relationship with his grandchildren."

If the US visit doesn't happen, Prince Harry's recent win in his ongoing dispute with the UK's home office could be a sign that his family may one day return to the UK.

Prince Harry has said repeatedly he is unable to bring his wife and children to the UK with him due to the ad hoc security plans currently in place.

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