The relationship between father and son has been under pressure since Harry and Meghan left royal duties. Harry’s public comments about life within the royal family, his memoir Spare and disagreements over security arrangements have all formed part of the wider story. Yet the two have also continued to have contact, and their July meeting showed that a private family gathering was possible despite the tensions.
For Charles, spending time with his grandchildren may be particularly meaningful. But arranging visits involves more than the King and his son. The children’s school commitments, their parents’ schedules and the King’s official duties all have to be considered.
It is also worth remembering that the public knows very little about the family’s private conversations. Reports based on unnamed sources can offer a glimpse into what people close to the situation claim is happening, but they cannot establish exactly how Charles, Harry or Meghan feel.
For now, the reports point to a relationship that remains delicate, with another meeting said to be possible before the end of the year. Whether it happens, and whether it helps the family move forward, remains to be seen.