A meeting between Prince Harry's senior aides and King Charles's communications secretary represented a "good first step" towards potential reconciliation, according to an insider.
They added that whilst some Palace sources have downplayed the significance, there remains cause for hope.
"It was a good first step," the source said. "It is always better to be talking."
"It's a positive step," they added. "There's optimism that it can be taken forward."
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|Prince Harry insider defends 'positive' meeting with King's aides amid Palace downplay.
The true test of this diplomatic overture remains whether it will lead to direct communication between the Duke of Sussex and his father.
It remains unknown whether Harry and Charles have spoken recently, or if the July 9 meeting represents the beginning of something more substantial.
According to the insider who spoke to People, any genuine progress from the London club discussions will ultimately be judged by whether the two principals can begin mending their damaged relationship, rather than merely their staff establishing contact.
The encounter took place on July 9 at the Royal Over-Seas League, a private members' club within walking distance of Clarence House.
Getty | Tobyn Andreae and King Charles pictured in November 2024.Tobyn Andreae, King Charles's communications secretary, met with two of Prince Harry's most senior staff members in what was the first formal communication between their teams in recent times.
The Mail on Sunday first reported the discreet gathering, including that Andreae brought a gift from Berry Bros & Rudd, the official wine supplier to the Royal Family.
Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex's chief of staff and communications director, attended alongside Liam Maguire, the Sussexes' UK spokesperson.
GB News understands that Maines was in London for official business, including meetings with UK-based Sussex team members, media contacts and figures connected to Harry's charitable work.
PA | Neither Buckingham Palace nor Andreae have commented on the leak.LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
LinkedIn / Meredith Maines | Meredith Maines has been hired as the Sussexes' new head of communications.The gathering marked the first time either Maines or Maguire had met Andreae.
Insiders view the informal conversation as significant precisely because such dialogue has not occurred in the recent past, suggesting communication channels may be reopening.
The estrangement between Harry and the Royal Family began in 2020 when he and Meghan Markle stepped down from official duties and relocated to California.
Tensions have escalated through high-profile interviews, their Netflix documentary series and Harry's memoir, Spare.
In May, Harry told the BBC he remained open to reconciliation with his family. "I would love reconciliation with my family," he stated. "There's no point in continuing to fight anymore."