King Charles extended an olive branch to the Sussexes by inviting them to the royal residence during their recent visit to the UK, sparking speculation about the motives behind the reunion.
According to a new report, the 77-year-old monarch has issued a firm ultimatum to his estranged son and daughter-in-law while still treating them with the respect due members of the royal family at Highgrove Summit.
However, the king managed one thing for his special guests during the meeting as he enjoyed tea and cream cakes with Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, who have been dubbed the royal family’s ‘terrible twosome’.
An insider close to the monarch declared, ‘Blood is blood’, which is the reason for this public display of forgiveness.
Some of the Brits summed up the return as ‘sickening’, while The Royalist’s Tom Sykes asked: ‘Why has the King of England just handed the Sussexes the biggest prize of their six-year campaign – family rehabilitation on their terms – in exchange for exactly nothing?’
No doubt Charles was very pleased as spending time with Archie and Lilibet meant the world to him, but Charles has really put his neck on the line by inviting them back into the fold.
But behind the castle walls, Charles’ reconciliation with the Sussexes also prompted the monarch to deliver a shock ultimatum to the Californian couple, making it clear that if they are to play any part in royal life, they will have to start playing by his rules – or else.
The insider claims, ‘he made a point to make sure Harry and Meghan understand exactly where they stand and that from now on things are done on his terms or not at all.
‘This is their absolute last chance; if they put one foot wrong again, that’s it. He is very aware of that.’
Harry has been told he needs to take a back seat and trust his father to handle things his way, in his timing, even if it’s slower than he and Meghan would like.’
Charles could have told hot-headed Harry to “stop taking the bait” and stop all public tantrums, like last week’s outburst against a judge (in the King’s Court, no less) who ruled against him, who was then accused of “whitewashing” (the covering up of wrongdoing or scandal) by the furious prince.
He has warned Harry against airing his dirty laundry, especially when it comes to his complaints about his family.
And the source says: ‘Above all else, they must keep their mouths shut about everything that goes on behind the palace walls.’
‘He wants him to stop taking any perceived snub so personally. William and Kate are certainly turning the other cheek and Charles has told Harry to follow their lead.’
‘If he can follow the rules, there is a way back, but if there are more leaks or public tantrums or signs of disrespect for the monarchy, Charles has made it clear that will be the end of things for good. It is indeed the last chance.’
