Prince Harry, King Charles peace talks end in smoke

King Charles and Prince Harry's secret peace talks ultimately failed to bear fruit, with bitterness and trust issues continuing to undermine reconciliation efforts.

The Duke of Sussex is said to have made a fragile attempt to reconcile with his father, who is battling cancer at 76, amidst allegations of leaking details about their aides' secret London meeting.

Reports of the meeting appeared in several UK publications, along with pictures of the Sussexes and the royal family's aides at a private club near Clarence House. 

Now, the attempt to heal the rift between the father-son duo has reportedly ended after details and pictures of the meeting were leaked.

"He was livid. Leaks have always been one of his main grievances, and then suddenly this meeting ends up in the press. To suggest it came from Harry's team is completely false," an insider close to the Duke of Sussex told Radar Online.

The Duke's camp insisted they had nothing to do with the publicity, the Mail quoted royal author Phil Dampier speculating that the leak came from the Sussexes, suggesting Harry wanted to "paint himself as the one making peace."

In the photographs, the King's press secretary, Tobyn Andreae, is seen having tea with Harry's UK representative, Liam Maguire, and his chief communications officer, Meredith Maines."

However, the path to reconciliation appears to be complex as trust issues and bitterness still present.

Harry has been critical of the Palace's handling of his security situation, which he believes has driven a wedge between him and his family.

Harry has spoken openly of wanting to reconcile with his family, telling the BBC earlier this year that he "would love a reconciliation" with both his father and brother, and admitting concern for the king's health.

He said: "I don't know how much longer my father has, and I don't want to keep fighting."

What does Prince Harry need to do to win over his father's heart?

Prince Harry has been advised to avoid "more ugliness" in bid to repair his relationship with King Charles III.

Public relations specialist Eric Schiffer, who chairs Reputation Management Consultants, advised the Duke to keep his media appearances in check.

"I do see reconciliation happening but its going to take time and more patience and consistent discipline by Harry."

Related: Prince Harry given ultimatum to correct past mistakes