King Charles and Prince Harry’s prospective meeting has been described as a “make or break” summit that could cut off future hopes of peace if it goes badly, a royal insider has suggested.
The feuding father and son are tipped to have a “face-to-face” meeting during Harry’s visit to attend the 2025 WellChild Awards on September 8.
The date is already heavy with meaning, marking the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and Harry’s first visit to the UK since his legal defeat over security in May.
Speculation has also swirled over the possibility of the King and his youngest son meeting in person for the first time in almost two years.
A royal insider has outlined the 'make or break' scenario ahead of the potential meeting between Prince Harry and King Charles
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The father and son last met in February 2024, when Charles announced he was undergoing cancer treatment.
In the lead-up to Harry’s return to the UK, several apparent overtures have been made between his and the King’s camps.
In July, representatives of the Duke and King Charles held secret peace talks, with Harry reportedly offering to share diary dates with the Royal Family to avoid clashes of engagements.
Amid the rumours of rapprochement and a possible “face-to-face” meeting, a royal insider has stressed the significance and potential consequences of such an encounter.
The Duke of Sussex will travel to the UK for the WellChild awards on September 8
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“This meetup is make-or-break,” the source told Us Magazine.
The insider said a successful accord could open the door to rapprochement with other members of the Royal Family.
“If it goes well, it could lead to other family members being open to better relationships,” they said.
However, the source warned it could spell disaster if details of a difficult exchange between Charles and Harry emerged.
The King''s recent health struggles have apparently spurned a desire to 'clear the air and have a fresh start'
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“If things get leaked negatively, then it’s done, and there’s no chance (for future peace),” the insider warned.
Despite the risk, both parties are said to want to “clear the air and have a fresh start,” with the King’s recent health battles described as a “catalyst” for the renewed approach.
The source said: “For Charles, a meeting with Harry means establishing harmony. (He) understands that headlines and strife are not good for anyone, and he wants things to move forward.
“For Harry, it’s an opening for his children to have a relationship with their grandfather.”
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Speculation has swirled as the feuding father and son have exchanged rapprochement gestures in recent months
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Even with apparent willingness from the King and his youngest son, other factors may complicate a potential meeting.
The insider noted that the imminent State Visit from US President Donald Trump, beginning on September 17, would require much of Charles’s time in preparation.
“It’s a state visit and takes precedence,” the source said, adding that the monarch “works very hard despite his illness.”
September 8, the date of the WellChild Awards, may also see the King in Scotland to mark the anniversary of his late mother’s death.
“The King is usually up in Scotland for the anniversary of his mother’s death. So arranging a meeting may not be straightforward,” royal commentator Jennie Bond told the Mirror.