Representatives from King Charles and Prince Harry's households have held their first formal discussions in years, meeting at a London private members' club in what sources describe as initial "peace talks".
The extraordinary summit took place at the Royal Over-Seas League, near Clarence House, bringing together communications officials from both camps.
Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex's new chief communications officer who is based in California, attended alongside Liam Maguire, who manages the Sussexes' UK public relations operations.
They met with Tobyn Andreae, the King's communications secretary, in what marks a significant shift in relations between the two households after years of minimal interaction.
Representatives from King Charles and Prince Harry's households have held their first formal discussions in years, meeting at a London private members' club in what sources describe as initial "peace talks".
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The Wednesday afternoon meeting began at 3.50pm when Ms Maines and Mr Maguire arrived by taxi, followed by Mr Andreae, who appeared to be carrying a gift from Berry Bros and Rudd, the wine and spirits merchant.
The trio were photographed on the club's first-floor garden terrace overlooking Green Park, chatting over drinks before moving inside.
"There's a long road ahead, but a channel of communication is now open for the first time in years," a source told the Mail on Sunday.
"There was no formal agenda, just casual drinks. There were things both sides wanted to talk about."
The source characterised the summit as merely the "first step towards reconciliation between Harry and his father, but at least it is a step in the right direction".
Sources suggest both sides recognise significant distrust remains but the meeting represents a willingness to move beyond the current estrangement.
Reuters
The meeting comes months after Prince Harry spoke candidly in a BBC interview about his desire to mend relations with his family.
During the interview, the Duke acknowledged that his father would not speak to him and expressed uncertainty about how much time the King had left to live.
"There's no point in continuing to fight any more," he said. "Life is precious."
The Duke emphasised his willingness to move forward, stating: "Forgiveness is 100 per cent a possibility because I would like to get my father and brother back."
Sources suggest both sides recognise significant distrust remains, but the peace summit represents a willingness to move beyond the current estrangement.
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The Duke of Sussex is said to have sent email invitations to Buckingham Palace, hoping the advance notice would allow the King to incorporate the event into his schedule.
Reuters
Looking ahead, discussions between London and California are reportedly considering the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham as a potential venue for public reconciliation.
The Duke of Sussex is said to have sent email invitations to Buckingham Palace, hoping the advance notice would allow the King to incorporate the event into his schedule.
Senior palace aides are considering the King's potential attendance, recognising the Games could provide a timely opportunity to repair the relationship.
"Everyone just wants to move on and move forward now. It was finally the right time for the two sides to talk," the source added.