Jack Stooks, a former royal gardener to King Charles, has shared insights into the monarch's private reunion with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, at Highgrove House on Friday. Speaking on GB News, Stooks described the location as ideal for the family meeting, emphasizing the privacy it afforded.
Highgrove's Privacy Key to Reunion
Stooks noted that Highgrove, the King's private residence in Gloucestershire, allowed the family to talk freely away from public scrutiny. "I do think being at Highgrove was a lovely occasion for them because they're out of the way, they're out of prying eyes," he said. He added that photographers were present at the gates after lunchtime, but inside, the estate remains very private. "The family would have been able to talk, would have been able to discuss whatever they wanted to discuss. And, how nice is it that finally there's some sort of reconciliation with the family?"
Hope for Brotherly Reconciliation
Stooks expressed hope that Prince William, the Prince of Wales, might also seek a similar meeting with Harry. "I do hope that the same will happen with the brothers," he said. He noted that the Sussexes' itinerary has been kept quiet, with the palace confirming the visit only after it occurred. "It's nice to see that it's not coming from Harry," Stooks remarked.
Travel Arrangements Speculated
When asked about the Sussexes' mode of transport, Stooks speculated they likely drove to Highgrove to avoid criticism over private plane or helicopter use. "They don't want to have this hassle of 'Now they're using the private planes to come in and now they're using the private helicopters to fly everywhere,' so they probably did fly in," he said, referring to possible flights to a nearby airport. He added that there are multiple ways to enter Highgrove without being seen.
First Meeting in Over Four Years
The reunion marks the first time King Charles has seen his youngest grandchildren since the Platinum Jubilee in 2022. No images from the private meeting are expected to be released. The Sussex family is reportedly set to continue their UK trip at Althorp House with the Spencer family, where they will visit the grave of Harry's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
