PRINCE Harry’s “peace talks” with King Charles feels like it has Meghan’s “game plan” all over them, a royal expert has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex is said to have recently “given his blessing” for the talks involving two of his team plus the King and Queen’s director of communications.
Prince Harry is said to be ready to talk to his dad the King after approving a peace summit between their aides[/caption]
Harry flew to the UK 18 months ago after Charles’s cancer diagnosis, but was given just 30 minutes with his dad[/caption]
But some royal experts believe it could be influenced by Meghan’s ‘planning’[/caption]
They spoke about potential ways to end their family conflict, though a proposal for Harry to make a royal return was not on the agenda.
California-based Harry is next due to visit the UK in September for the annual WellChild events.
It opens up the prospect of meeting his father for the first time in 18 months.
The Sun’s royal editor Matt Wilkinson spoke to two experts on our Royal Exclusive show to discuss the latest developments.
Sarah Hewson and Valentine Low shared their thoughts on the size of the task ahead – with Harry feuding with his family for years now.
The experts also pondered how Meghan’s influence could affect the situation and any prospect of reconciliation.
Royal writer Low claimed that any “peace talks” could only benefit Meghan.
The former correspondent for The Times said: “There’s also the interesting question, perhaps quite cynically, if they reconcile and the relationship with the royal family becomes one of warmth.
“I think it will only do Meghan’s reputation something good and help her expand brand Meghan.”
Hewson agreed and claimed it could be another one of Meghan’s “schemes”.
The royal correspondent added: “Meghan is someone with a game plan.
“Nothing happens by accident and I think Harry relies on Meghan for a lot of guidance through life.
“Meghan’s got her own plans and business. What is Harry’s?”
“He does look lost and isolated by himself in Montecito. His father’s health is certainly a big wake up call.
The royal correspondent added: “I think for these talks to happen, Harry will need to speak to his father one-on-one.
“This will be really important as there is a big trust issue.”
In September the King should still be on holiday at his Balmoral retreat, ahead of hosting US President Donald Trump in the middle of the month.
On the weekend, Charles, 76 – whose cancer treatment continues – was pictured leaving a church service in the West Country.
In May Harry appeared to have torpedoed reconciliation efforts during a catastrophic and ill- advised interview with the BBC in which he moaned “the King won’t speak to me”.
But photos published at the weekend showed the King and Queen’s director of communications Tobyn Andreae with Meredith Maines, chief communications officer for Harry’s charity Archewell, and its UK and Europe communications manager Liam Maguire.
They met on the balcony of the members-only Royal Over-Seas League club a short walk from Buckingham Palace before continuing inside.
‘Harry’s blessing’
It is understood the face-to-face meeting was held to discuss avoiding media clashes and conflicts around calendar dates.
Discussions were not held about Prince Harry returning to a more formal royal role.
A source claimed: “The meeting was with Harry’s blessing.”
Buckingham Palace had also supported the proposals to “open a channel of communication” — having agreed to them within the past two weeks, it has been claimed.
But adding intrigue to the developments, Prince William’s team were not involved in the London summit.
There was no contact between Harry’s team and one working for William and Kate — or any invitation for face-to-face meetings.
In September Kate and William will be returning from their summer break with a string of major engagements.
There have also been claims Harry will invite members of his estranged family to the Invictus Games when it is held in Birmingham in two years’ time.
Just two months ago Harry hit out at his father in a BBC interview.
It came barely hours after he lost a High Court case asking for taxpayer-funded gun cops despite not being a working royal.
Wills must beware of bid for rift
By Matt Wilkinson
WHILE all eyes were on Harry and the King’s spin doctors together having fun in the sun, it was more revealing to see who wasn’t there.
The King’s communications chief Tobyn Andreae turned up with a bottle as a gift for Sussex aides Meredith Maines and Liam Maguire.
But there was not a seat at the members’ club balcony for anyone from Team William.
The Sussexes appear to be offering the hand of friendship — but are they trying to force a wedge between the King and future King?
William is right to stick to his guns as he is in a better head space now, is no longer seething and has moved on — but is still waiting for Harry to apologise.
While Harry love-bombs his dad — who has not locked the door or thrown away the key to reconciliation — let’s not forget it has been his older brother who has consistently made big gestures.
It was William who kindly took himself and Kate out of the procession at Harry and Meghan’s last royal engagement, the 2020 Commonwealth Day ceremony, after learning the Sussexes had been removed.
It was William who stood shoulder to shoulder with Harry to unveil a statue of their mum Diana at Kensington Palace months after the Oprah Winfrey interview.
It was William who agreed to wear a morning suit at Prince Philip’s funeral instead of military uniform to spare Harry’s blushes.
It was William who invited the Sussexes to join him to look at Windsor flowers for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
William has never publicly trashed his family.
The King and William should hopefully see through any attempt to divide them and they must stick together.
