Inside Prince Harry's 55-minute chat with King Charles and what it means for their future

Prince Harry has reportedly joked he felt like "an official visitor" than a family member at his meeting with his dad.

The Duke of Sussex handed his father a framed photograph of himself with wife Meghan Markle and their children Archie and Lilibet during the 55-minute meeting at Clarence House earlier this month. It has now been revealed this reunion was "distinctly formal" and Harry, 41, was left so surprised by this that he has joked he felt more like "an official visitor" to the royal residence.

It is therefore thought there is no prospect of Harry returning to royal duties, despite initial chatter there was a chance he'd undertake a hybrid "half-in, half-out" role with The Firm. However, Harry did declare, in the days after the meeting, the "focus really has to be on my dad" in the next 12 months as he clear his priority.

His Majesty, 76, has not seen Archie and Lilibet since the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. Harry had claimed it is not safe for them to fly back to the UK. Yet, in the recent interview with The Guardian, Harry said: "The focus really has to be on my dad... I have always loved the UK and I always will love the UK."

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Harry and Charles swapped presents and kisses on the cheek during their meeting - their first in 19 months - at Clarence House recently. While the Duke gave his dad the framed photograph, His Majesty handed Harry a birthday present - as he was to turn 41 just six days later.

It was a touching moment in what otherwise was a formal affair, it is understood. Harry described it as "very official," The Sun reports today. Insiders said the awkward exchange was carried out in similar style to that of dignitaries and visitors at royal residences.

Nevertheless, the sit down was significant as it was the first time Harry and Charles met since early 2024. Relations had reportedly become stranged in this timeframe but, in the summer, speculation suggested Harry was to return to royal duties. The "biggest hint yet" of this was Harry and Meghan's decision to include the titles HRH (His /Her Royal Highness) as well as the surname Sussex on Archie and Lilibet's passport.

But it is now believed Harry's chances of a U-turn are slim, even in a "half-in, half-out" hybrid royal role. Royal sources say Charles is committed to upholding the Sandringham Agreement, made in January 2020, which rejected Harry’s bid for a hybrid position.

And a spokesman for Prince Harry said: "The trip back was about focusing on his patronages and supporting his good causes while also having time to catch up with family and friends."