Secret talks have reportedly occurred between aides of King Charles and Prince Harry in London, hinting at a potential thaw in the frosty relations within the Royal Family.

A rift between the the father and son, as well as Harry and his brother Prince William, has been hindering the relationship in the family since Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the United States.

In that time, new fueds have seemingly emerged on top of the old ones, lingering tensions continue to simmer, and seemingly grim realities become more likely. 

However, that may now be in the past, as the “secret meeting” could be the first step towards a long-awaited reconciliation.

These clandestine discussions took place at an exclusive members’ club close to Clarence House, and are being hailed as a pivotal “first step” towards what some insiders hope will be a reconciliation process between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royals.

The meeting is said to have happened last week, with Harry’s chief aide, Meredith Maines, traveling from California to engage with the King’s communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae, at the neutral venue of the Royal Over-Seas League.

Liam Maguire, who leads the Sussexes’ UK public relations team, was also present at this covert gathering, where the group enjoyed what one source termed “informal drinks” on the terrace amidst the blazing sun. An informant close to the developments shared with MailOnline that “There was no formal agenda. But both sides came to the table ready to talk. It’s the first real channel of communication we’ve seen in years.”

The details of who initiated the reconciliation remain a mystery, but the recent meeting is being celebrated as a strong indication that both parties are eager to mend fences after enduring years of public spats, incendiary interviews, and familial distress. Maines, donning a chic cream jacket, heels, and toting a black Louis Vuitton bag, is said to have flown back to the Sussexes’ lavish £15 million Montecito home immediately following the talks, where she presumably debriefed Harry on the discussions.

The King, reportedly optimistic about establishing a renewed relationship with his younger son and becoming acquainted with his grandchildren Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, has consistently been viewed as the family member most willing to reconcile. This encounter occurs just two months subsequent to Harry’s revealing BBC interview, in which he lamented that Charles “won’t speak to me because of this security stuff,” alluding to the contentious decision to strip him of his UK police protection, reports the Mirror.

Insiders claim that Harry is reaching out to former British confidants to navigate a “return from exile,” expressing disenchantment with his American counsel. At the forefront of this Royal redemption effort is Maines, a Silicon Valley strategist and the inaugural chief communications officer for the Sussexes, who skilfully directed Meghan’s Netflix endeavor ‘With Love, Meghan’ and her lifestyle brand ‘As Ever.

‘This movement indicates that the Sussexes are embracing a more traditional “royal-style” structure, even while stationed abroad.

The Mail on Sunday previously disclosed Harry’s invitation to the Royal Family for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, which many interpreted as an olive branch and pathway to mend familial relations. However, lingering disputes regarding his security detail in the UK cloud potential progress.

The Duke vigorously challenges the Home Office’s choice to revoke his automatic protection, asserting he continues to be at considerable risk.

Neither Buckingham Palace nor Team Sussex have released any statements concerning the discussion. However, there is a sense of cautious hope among those close to the situation, as one insider shared: “Everyone wants to move forward. There’s still a long road ahead. But this was a start – and a good one.”