Queen Camilla was deemed 'non-negotiable' in Prince Harry's reunion with King Charles, according to royal author Catherine Mayer. Speaking to PEOPLE, Mayer stated: 'She is a non-negotiable part of Charles’ life. There is no reconciliation with him without her.'
Meeting at Highgrove House
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with the King and Queen last Friday at the King's private country residence, Highgrove House, in Gloucestershire. Their two children, seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet, also attended. The meeting, which lasted about an hour, marked the first time the King had seen his daughter-in-law and two youngest grandchildren since 2022.
Secrecy and Family Ties
The palace asserted that no photos would be released and no details of the discussion would be disclosed. A source close to the family said: 'It is better that people don’t know anything about these meetings. They should be allowed to rekindle those family ties.' The Queen reportedly 'dropped everything' to be present at the meeting.
Harry's Past Comments on Camilla
Prince Harry previously spoke ill of his stepmother, referring to her as 'evil' and accusing her of leaking stories to the press to rehabilitate her image. In a 2023 interview with Good Morning America, he explained: 'She had a reputation or an image to rehabilitate, and whatever conversations happened, whatever deals or trading was made right at the beginning, she was led to believe that that would be the best way to doing it.'
Meghan's Role
Royal editor Roya Nikkhah told The Times' podcast The Royals that Meghan Markle was likely present to support her husband and to be with her children at the unfamiliar location. A source told Vanity Fair: 'The King wanted to see Harry and the children. A time was agreed for the Sussexes to come to Highgrove on Friday afternoon, and it was uncharacteristically last-minute for the King. Everyone was sworn to secrecy so that the meeting could remain private.'
