After several years of tension, Harry and Meghan reunited with King Charles III in Highgrove, United Kingdom this weekend. A meeting that remained secret for several days. Between family time, rumors and updates from the palace, this reunion revives the press on the relations between the Sussexes and the royal family.

Harry and Meghan’s visit organized out of sight

The reunion took place in a great discretion. According to the Gala media, the prince Harryhis wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie And Lilibetwent to Highgrove House. There private residence of Charles III therefore welcomed them at the beginning of July. The family is said to have traveled discreetly from California where they emigrated a few years ago. No image was leaked, they voluntarily avoided any media coverage. On the occasion of Invictus GamesHarry of Sussex, the founder, was initially visiting his native land for the event. And despite busy schedules on both sides, the reunion was only possible at the last moment.

Still according to the magazine, this visit marks the first meeting between the king and his grandchildren in several years. Archie, 7 years old, and Lilibet, 5 years old, would have enjoyed the gardens of the royal residence while the adults chatted over tea. The king would have wanted to keep an intimate and simple setting at these family reunions. “It’s crucial because it’s the first time the two families have met in four years. Harry was very happy that this had happened, because everything was still uncertain. » an anonymous source told Vanity Fair.

A family in cold weather for years

This meeting comes after several years of particularly cold relationships. In 2020, Harry and Meghan had left their positions as working members of the royal family before settling in California. Their interview given to Oprah Winfrey, then the documentary series Netflix and the book of Prince Harry’s memoirs had created continuity in the tensions with Buckingham.

As Vogue France recalls, the couple denounced at the time a lack of support from the royal institution since the arrival of Meghan Markle in Prince Harry’s life. There media pressure constant and accusation of racism within the royal family have forced the couple to emigrate to America. These speeches had profoundly weakened the links between Harry and Charles III, but also with his brother, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton.

also read: The interview with Meghan and Harry which relaxes the British Crown

Buckingham denies rumors

The revelation of this meeting quickly gave rise to speculations around the world. Several British media have claimed that Charles III would have granted certain facilities and ‘free pass’ to Harry and Meghan during their stay. Rumors which irritate certain people who remind us that leaving one’s royal functions also means leaving one’s advantages.

But these rumors were soon challenged. Buckingham Palace said no special treatment had been given to the Sussexes. The palace thus denied any “surrender” of the king in the face of his son’s demands, also explains Closer. According to royal family specialist Robert Jobson, this meeting is explained by the desire of Charles III to create a bond with Archie and Lilibet. “ He is above all a grandfather who wishes to maintain a relationship with his grandchildren »he announces to the media Hello!

A still fragile relationship between Harry of Sussex and his family

Despite this meeting, relations between Harry and the rest of the royal family remain marked by several years of public disagreements. The Duke of Sussex was recently refused accommodation at a royal residence. And, he is also continuing his legal battle around private security paid for by the taxpayer.

This symbolic visit allowed King Charles III, who suffers from cancer, to spend time with his family in a private setting. A rare shared moment, which could open the way to a more peaceful dialogue. Although it is unclear what the exchanges were between the King of England and his son, many hope to see an improvement in relations within the entire royal family.