Prince Harry Set to Meet King Charles on Third Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Death Amid Reconciliation Hopes
London, UK – August 29, 2025 – Prince Harry is poised to reunite with his father, King Charles III, during a highly anticipated visit to the United Kingdom on September 8, marking the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. The Duke of Sussex, who has been estranged from much of the royal family since stepping back from senior duties in 2020, will attend the WellChild Awards in London – a charity event he has supported for nearly two decades. Sources close to the matter indicate that informal discussions between Harry’s team and Buckingham Palace have paved the way for a father-son meeting, signaling a potential thaw in their strained relationship after 20 months without face-to-face contact. However, any reconciliation with Harry’s brother, Prince William, appears unlikely, with insiders describing it as “rejected out of hand.” The visit, Harry’s first to the UK since losing a legal battle over his security arrangements in May, underscores ongoing family tensions while highlighting Harry’s commitment to causes close to his heart.
The WellChild Awards: A Meaningful Return to the UK
The WellChild Awards, now in their 20th year, celebrate the resilience of seriously ill children and the dedication of their families and caregivers. Harry, who has served as patron of the charity since 2007, will mark his 15th attendance at the event, delivering a speech, meeting with winners and their loved ones, and presenting an award to an “inspirational child” aged four to six. In a statement released on August 28, Harry expressed his enthusiasm: “I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit. For 20 years these Awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers – family and professionals – who support them every step of the way. Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection and community.”
The event’s timing on September 8 – exactly three years after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing at Balmoral Castle in 2022 – adds a layer of poignancy. Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, were en route to the 2022 awards when news of the Queen’s death broke, forcing them to divert to Scotland. Harry later connected with the winners via video call, apologizing for his absence. This year’s visit will be solo; Meghan and their children, Prince Archie (6) and Princess Lilibet (4), will remain in California. Sources confirm that the decision stems from ongoing security concerns, following Harry’s unsuccessful High Court challenge against the downgrading of his taxpayer-funded protection in the UK. In a May 2025 BBC interview, Harry stated, “I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point,” citing the lack of adequate safeguards.
The awards ceremony, held at an undisclosed London venue, will feature private receptions where Harry will spend time with the young honorees. WellChild, the UK’s leading children’s charity for complex health needs, has praised Harry’s long-term involvement, noting his role in raising awareness and funds to help children “thrive at home instead of hospital.” His attendance aligns with his post-royal focus on philanthropy, including the Invictus Games and mental health initiatives, though it remains one of the few UK-based commitments he has retained.
Hopes for Reconciliation with King Charles: A Step Forward?
The prospect of a meeting with King Charles has dominated headlines, fueled by recent behind-the-scenes developments. Insiders report that an “informal peace summit” in July 2025 between Harry’s chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, and the King’s press secretary, Tobyn Andreae, at the Royal Over-Seas League near Clarence House, marked a turning point. Harry’s UK press handler, Liam Maguire, also attended, discussing topics like updates on Charles’s health (the King has been undergoing cancer treatment since February 2024) and avoiding scheduling conflicts between Sussex projects and royal engagements.
A US-based source told The Mirror, “For the first time in a long time, there’s a genuine sense that reconciliation is within reach. Prince Harry’s team and the Palace have opened a line of communication, and there is every hope that father and son will see one another when the Duke returns to London in September.” The source emphasized a “determination on both sides” to prioritize the father-son bond, separate from broader family issues. It remains unclear who initiated the outreach, but Charles has historically kept the door open, despite being described as “deeply saddened” by allegations in Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare, which detailed a physical altercation with William and criticisms of Queen Camilla.
The last in-person meeting between Harry and Charles occurred in February 2024, shortly after the King’s cancer diagnosis was announced. Since then, communication has been limited, exacerbated by Harry’s legal battles and public disclosures. In his May BBC interview, Harry revealed that Charles was “no longer speaking to him” over the security dispute and the memoir’s revelations, including claims of “unconscious bias” at the palace and media leaks. However, Harry expressed a desire for reconciliation: “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.” Charles’s upcoming state visit from US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, starting September 17, further aligns the King’s schedule for a potential September 8 meeting.
While a Harry-Charles reunion seems likely, prospects with William are dim. The source noted that any overtures to the Prince of Wales have been “rejected out of hand,” reflecting deep-seated resentments from Spare and the Sussexes’ 2022 Netflix docuseries. The brothers, once inseparable, have not spoken since the Queen’s funeral in 2022, with William reportedly viewing Harry’s actions as irreparable. This divide was evident during the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, Charles’s last sighting of his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet.
Broader Royal Context and Public Sentiment
Harry’s visit occurs against a backdrop of evolving royal dynamics. King Charles, 76, continues cancer treatment but has resumed duties, including a recent trip to Balmoral. The anniversary of Elizabeth II’s death will be marked privately across the family; in 2023, Charles attended a service at Crathie Kirk, while Harry visited St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. Public tributes, including gun salutes and bell-ringing at Westminster Abbey, are expected, though scaled back from the first anniversary.
Social media reactions on X reflect divided opinions. Supporters like @RoyalWatcherUK hail the potential reconciliation as “long overdue,” while critics such as @MonarchyCritic argue it’s “performative amid ongoing feuds.” Posts from @People and @Variety amplify the WellChild announcement, with fans praising Harry’s charity work: “Honoring his grandmother while supporting kids – that’s the real legacy.” The Sussexes’ team has not commented on meeting details, but a spokesperson reiterated Harry’s gratitude for the Secret Service’s past protection – a nod to recent US security concerns.
This trip follows Harry’s brief May 2025 UK visit for court, where he lost his security appeal, and a secret 2023 grave visit to Elizabeth II on the first anniversary. It also precedes his planned attendance at the Invictus Games in Germany. For the royals, the anniversary evokes reflection; Charles’s 2023 statement recalled Elizabeth’s “long life, devoted service,” thanking the public for support during his accession.
Implications for the Royal Family and Beyond
A successful Harry-Charles meeting could signal a partial mending of the Windsor rift, potentially paving the way for future family interactions, though William’s stance suggests limits. Harry’s focus on independent philanthropy, including WellChild, highlights his post-Megxit life, balancing criticism with admiration for his advocacy. As the third anniversary approaches, the event may serve as a quiet tribute to Elizabeth II, whose death in 2022 at age 96 reshaped the monarchy.
For royal watchers, September 8 promises drama: Will father and son embrace reconciliation, or will old wounds resurface? As Harry stated in May, “Life is precious” – a sentiment that may guide this poignant homecoming.