Harry and Meghan ‘frustrated’ after details of private meeting with Charles 'leaked'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reported to be frustrated after photos of a confidential meeting between their top communications adviser and a senior aide to King Charles were leaked to the press.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday at the Royal Over-Seas League near Clarence House, reportedly involved Meredith Maines, the Sussexes’ recently appointed chief of communications, Liam Maguire, head of their UK PR team, and Tobyn Andreae, the King’s communications secretary.

On Sunday, the Daily Mail published images showing the trio meeting for drinks. Maines was seen arriving in a taxi with Maguire around 3:50 p.m. Minutes later, Andreae arrived holding a gift bag from Berry Bros & Rudd, the official wine supplier to the Royal Family.

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Sources close to the Sussexes firmly denied that Harry or Meghan were behind the leak. According to The Telegraph, the couple had hoped the secretive meeting could mark a “new period of peace" before the photos were leaked.

A source told Daily Mail on Sunday, “There’s a long road ahead, but a channel of communication is now open for the first time in years. There was no formal agenda, just casual drinks. There were things both sides wanted to talk about.”

Though described by some royal experts as a “courtesy call,” the meeting is being interpreted by fans of the Royals as the beginning of a possible reconciliation between Harry and his father, who was diagnosed with cancer last year.

A source close to King Charles described the meeting as a “significant moment,” saying, “The King has consistently shown he loves both of his sons and, as he has done in the past, is prepared to meet Harry when their diaries allow.

“It’s not unusual for aides from different households to meet, especially when there is a new influx of staff starting, but this is a significant moment."

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“If there is a period of calm and reflection on the part of the Duke, then there be a way forward for him to begin along the road of repairing his relationship with his father," the source finished.

However, that same source noted that repairing Harry’s relationship with Prince William “will be a different matter entirely and one which he will find much harder to repair.”

The Palace did not comment on whether William was informed of the meeting, though royal analysts suggested it was unlikely to have taken place without his awareness.

Royal commentator Ingrid Seward also suggested the event may have been merely an opportunity for Maines to meet Andreae as part of her onboarding in the UK.

The Express has contacted the Sussexes for comment.