Harry and Charles reunion would have been ‘massive increase’ – as a substitute it was ‘PR miss’

The failure to arrange a public meeting between Prince Harry and King Charles represents a major public relations misstep for the Royal Family, according to experts Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito.

A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex told reporters that the King was too busy for a catch-up with his son during Harry’s London visit. More ominously, the statement went on to say that Harry understands his father has “other priorities”.

Speaking on their Royally Obsessed podcast, Rachel described the lack of a meeting between father and son as “a PR miss”.

For all the latest on the Royal Family, check out the Daily Star’s dedicated royal news page

Roberta added it was significant that “all of these reports are coming from Team Sussex, from Harry’s camp.”

Rachel said that the lack of a public reconciliation was “incredibly disappointing.” She said that no matter how busy the King currently was, taking the opportunity to meet up would have been a positive step.

She said: “I do feel there’s a lot going on but I can’t imagine what it would mean publicly to see a Charles and Harry reunion at the garden party or at St Pauls.

“I’m not expecting the same from William but I feel like the proximity is what I just keep mapping and tracking – I do think it’s interesting Harry got ahead of it slightly by releasing the news.”

Harry’s statement, shutting down speculation about a potential meeting, was a smart move, Rachel said: “Harry’s being really diplomatic and not adding a lot and I think this is him demonstrating that there won’t be more than that shared. He’s buttoned up this discussion, and maybe that’s the olive branch in itself.”

Roberta added that they would almost certainly have been able to arrange a meeting if the desire had been there.

“I’m really surprised because we knew about this Invictus event in February and I know that the garden party is something they’ve been planning since April,” she said.

“I do find it surprising that they couldn’t find 30 minutes for a conversation. When he found out that his father had cancer, it was a really quick meeting but they made it work.”

“I think it’s such a PR miss,” Rachel said. “There’s family dynamics, but there’s also the Firm, and I think they just need that boost. Harry and Meghan really bring that, that youth appeal, and they need to broaden the players on the bench right now.”

Roberta agreed, adding: “To see Harry walk out on that Buckingham Palace balcony with the whole line-up of the Edinburghs, and the Gloucesters with Harry and the King would have just done a lot for the Firm.”

To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.