For more than five years, it’s been pretty clear that Prince Harry is on the outs with his entire family. But photos have emerged that show the royal’s aides meeting with King Charles’ aides, in what are now thought to be peace talks. Here’s what we know.
On July 9, Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex’s chief of staff and communications director) and Liam Maguire (the Sussex’s UK spokesperson) were photographed meeting with King Charles’ communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae.
In the photos, which were published by The Mail on Sunday, the men are spotted looking straight at the camera. Though they aren’t posing for the photos, by any means, they are sitting on a very public balcony that faces the street and hardly look surprised that their photo is being taken.
The Daily Mail (which includes The Main on Sunday) is one of the core media outlets included on the Royal Rota, which is known as ‘the pool’ of publications that are given additional access to the royals, in terms of exclusive photos, stories, or even royal birth announcements. The expectation is also that any photos the royals release to the press should be done via one of the outlets on the Rota. Harry and Meghan famously left the Royal Rota when they stepped back from being senior members of the royal family.
“In the spring of 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be adopting a revised media approach to ensure diverse and open access to their work,” the pair said in a statement on their website at the time. “This adjustment will be a phased approach as they settle into the new normality of their updated roles.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 09: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 at Westminster Abbey on March 09, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Now, back to the meeting. It was reportedly supposed to be a private one, though with so much news coverage about it, that’s getting harder and harder to believe. The meeting took place at Royal Over-Seas League, which is a private members club in London that’s not far from the King’s residence, Clarence House.
Per People, royal insiders are divided about the meeting. Some say the gathering was an important “first step” towards reconciliation. “There’s optimism that it can be taken forward,” People quoted. Other insiders have reportedly downplayed the significance, brushing it off as a routine meeting between royal press teams. It may be worth noting that Andreae (who’s on team King) brought a bottle of wine as an apparent gift to the meeting.
Back in May, Harry told the BBC that he is still open to reconciliation. “There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” he told the national broadcaster. Maybe he’s getting his wish.
Angela Law
Digital Editor
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