Prince Harry has denied claims a recent reunion with his father King Charles was "distinctly formal"

He has now hit back at the claim by describing reports suggesting he was treated more like an "official visitor" than a family member during the meeting as "categorically false".

A spokesperson for Harry strongly rejected the story in a statement on Saturday (27.09.25), saying: "Recent reporting of the Duke's view of the tone of the meeting, is categorically false. The quotes attributed to him are pure invention fed, one can only assume, by sources intent on sabotaging any reconciliation between father and son.

"Presumably, those same sources have also chosen to disclose that gifts were exchanged. While we would have preferred such details to remain private, for the sake of clarity we can confirm that a framed photograph was handed over, however the image did not contain the Duke and Duchess."

According to reports, Harry presented his father with a framed picture of Archie and Lilibet.

In response, a spokesperson for The Sun said Harry "confirms the exchange of gifts, including a family photograph".

The newspaper said its article was a "carefully-sourced account of the meeting," adding: "We have today updated the online article to include his new statement."

Harry has faced a strained relationship with the royal family since stepping back from official duties in 2020.

Alongside Meghan, 44, he relocated to the United States, later giving a televised interview to Oprah Winfrey in 2021 in which the couple discussed their difficulties with royal life.

In 2023, Harry published his memoir Spare, which detailed tensions with his brother Prince William, 43, and described his feelings of isolation within the family.

The duke has since pursued legal battles with the British press and campaigned on mental health and veterans' issues through initiatives such as the Invictus Games.

Despite his public criticism of aspects of royal life, Harry has returned to the UK on several occasions, including for the funerals of his grandfather Prince Philip in 2021 and Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

Reports of his relationship with Charles, 76, and William have continued to circulate, with sources frequently commenting on the possibility of a public reconciliation.

Harry has previously said he hopes to rebuild ties, telling ITV in an interview to promote his memoir: "I would like to get my father back. I would like to have my brother back."