Prince Harry ‘mistaken' on outcome of crunch talks with King as duke 'will never return to royal fold'

The crunch talks between the pair followed what Harry's team viewed as a successful charity trip to the UK.

According to The Mail on Sunday, sources close to the Duke of Sussex have hinted that this could mark the start of a new arrangement, with Harry apparently planning to visit Britain “four or five times a year” for public events linked to his charitable work and potentially in support of the Royal Family.

However, a royal insider dismissed such talk, telling the same publication: “Whoever is behind them seems to have mistaken a brief tea and a slice of cake for the Treaty of Versailles.”

There are also concerns that those close to Harry are using what one source described as a “baby step” forward between father and son to create division between the King and Prince William.

The outlet reported that unverified claims have resurfaced about “tensions” between the King and Prince William over workload.

But a source said: “These syrupy briefings from supposed Sussex sources are precisely why the King and Royal Family are so hesitant to embark on any road to rapprochement. If the intention is to encourage a rebuilding of trust and relationships, they serve the precise opposite effect.

“As last week’s State Visit clearly demonstrated, the power and impact of the modern monarchy lies in the unshakeable bond between the King and the Prince of Wales, supported by other working members of the family.”

That visit saw King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales welcome US President Donald Trump and the First Lady. The event was widely hailed as a diplomatic success and a testament to the monarchy’s influence on the world stage.

In what was viewed as a firm warning, a well-placed source told the publication: “The King is a forgiving man but has been absolutely clear in upholding his late mother’s decision that there cannot be ‘half-in, half-out’ members of the working Royal Family.”

They further claimed “high-level talks” are underway to bring King Charles and Harry together in public for the first time in six years.

Their last formal engagement together was in April 2019, although they have been seen at family occasions such as Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

Suggestions that Harry now has his own “royal household” and “courtiers” raised eyebrows, given his past criticism of the institution. The newspaper also reported that Harry agreed to keep a low profile during President Trump’s visit as a “goodwill gesture”, a claim which insiders greeted with scepticism.

The Duke has been open about wanting reconciliation with his father and Prince William, while accepting that some relatives may struggle to forgive him. Those close to the Duke suggested his involvement in future “bread-and-butter” royal duties could help ease the shortage of working royals.

But insiders told the outlet that such optimism is “entirely predictable and woefully inflated”. While “occasional private family meetings” are possible, no further plans are currently in place. “Absolutely not,” was the response to any suggestion of a public role.

Sources stressed that Harry’s recent meeting with the King was a personal act of kindness, not the start of formal negotiations. One said the effort to present it as more “erodes trust”.

A source close to Harry insisted the question of returning to royal duties was “put to bed years ago”, adding he is “very happy with his life in California” and will continue visiting Britain “as and when to support his patronages and causes”.

A spokesman said: “The Duke has made it clear that ‘the focus has to be on his dad’, beyond that, and on any other issues as it relates to his family, we won’t be commenting.”

Harry and the King spoke for just under an hour at Clarence House earlier this month, their first private meeting in 19 months. It came as the Duke undertook a series of public engagements aimed at improving his UK image after repeated attacks on the Royal Family.

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