Prince Harry and King Charles' Aides Took a 'Good First Step': 'There's Optimism,' Insider Says (Exclusive)
That's the view of insiders, who see the quiet gathering as a crucial 'first step' in what could be a long road toward reconciliation between Harry, 40, and Charles, 76 — whose years-long rift has left communication between them all but nonexistent.
On July 9, Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex's chief of staff and communications director, and Liam Maguire, the Sussexes' U.K. spokesperson, were photographed meeting with Tobyn Andreae, King Charles' communications secretary. The Mail on Sunday was first to report the discreet sit-down.
The informal conversation — which took place at the Royal Over-Seas League, a private members' club just a short walk from Charles' London residence, Clarence House — included what appeared to be a gift bottle of wine brought by Andreae.
And, PEOPLE understands, there was plenty to discuss. 'It was a good first step,' says an insider. 'It is always better to be talking.'
Maines was in London for official business tied to her role as Chief Communications Officer to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Her visit included scheduled meetings with U.K.-based members of the Sussex communications team, media contacts, stakeholders and senior figures connected to Harry's charitable work. The sit-down marked the first time either Maines or Maguire had met Andreae.
Some close to the palace have downplayed the long-term significance of the meeting, framing it as a routine professional exchange between senior communications staff who simply need to know and understand one another. Still, the reality remains: this kind of dialogue hasn't taken place in the recent past — and now, lines of communication appear to be reopening.
'It's a positive step,' the insider adds. 'There's optimism that it can be taken forward.'
It's also not known whether Harry and Charles have spoken recently — or whether the July 9 meeting signals the start of something more meaningful. Ultimately, any real success from the talks at the London private members' club will be measured by whether Harry and Charles themselves — not just their teams — can begin to repair their fractured relationship.
Related: Why Prince Harry's Invictus Games Could Reunite Him with King Charles (Exclusive)
In May, Harry reaffirmed his hope for healing, telling the BBC that the door to 'reconciliation' remains open from his side. 'I would love reconciliation with my family,' he said. 'There's no point in continuing to fight anymore.' His comments came shortly after he lost a key legal battle over his request for official security for himself and his family — a decision he has partly blamed on his father. (The palace has consistently maintained that King Charles does not have control over that process.)
Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
The rift between Harry and the royal family first erupted in 2020, when he and Meghan Markle stepped back from their official roles and began a new life in California. Since then, tensions have only intensified — fueled by high-profile interviews, their Netflix docuseries, and Harry's best-selling memoir, Spare.
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