In a world where planetary alignments can stir up even the most placid of relationships, it’s no wonder that royal dynamics can feel as tumultuous as a Mercury retrograde! Speaking of family skirmishes fit for a headline, the famously strained relationship between King Charles and Prince Harry has deeper roots than many royal aficionados might assume. Veteran photographer Arthur Edwards, in his recently penned memoir, shared an intriguing little nugget from 2019, shortly after the arrival of baby Archie. Picture this: Edwards is ready to delight Charles with a photo of his newest grandbaby when he’s abruptly stopped by a royal aide, citing a rather glaring tidbit—Charles and Harry weren’t on speaking terms at that moment! It’s almost like a Shakespearean drama unfolding in real life, revealing tensions well before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their exit from royal duties. Buckle up, dear readers, as we dive into this royal saga that unveils the more human side of the monarchy—amidst glittering tiaras and royal engagements!
King Charles‘ strained relationship with Prince Harry reportedly dates back further than many royal watchers realized. Veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards has recalled an awkward encounter shortly after Prince Archie was born in May 2019, claiming he was stopped from showing the then-Prince of Wales a photograph of his newborn grandson. According to Edwards, a royal aide explained that Charles was not speaking to Harry at the time, revealing tensions within the family months before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their decision to step back from royal duties.

Edwards shared the surprising recollection in his memoir, “Cup of Tea, Arthur?,” describing an incident that unfolded while he was accompanying Charles and Queen Camilla on an official trip to Germany. As reported by Woman & Home, the photographer had arranged for pictures of newborn Archie to be sent to his phone after Harry and Meghan Markle introduced their first child to the world. Edwards showed the photographs to Camilla, who appeared interested in seeing the latest addition to the royal family. She then encouraged him to share the pictures with her husband.
“Can you show it to the prince?” Camilla reportedly asked.
However, Charles’ then-press secretary, Julian Payne, allegedly intervened before Edwards could approach him.
“No, don’t do that, Arthur,” Payne reportedly told the photographer.
When Edwards asked why, the aide allegedly offered a startling explanation: “He’s not talking to his son.”
Edwards recalled that the exchange was the first time he became aware of serious tension between Charles and Harry.

The photographer’s account suggests that Camilla was unaware, or at least did not anticipate, that showing Charles the pictures would be an issue. In his memoir, Edwards recalled receiving the photographs on his phone and sharing them with the then-Duchess of Cornwall. He described capturing Camilla looking at the images of Archie with his parents, a moment that should have been a happy family occasion. However, her suggestion that Charles see the photographs reportedly brought the underlying tensions into focus.
Edwards ultimately respected Payne’s warning and did not approach Charles with the pictures. The account does not establish whether the King had already seen photographs of Archie through another source or whether he later viewed them that day. It also does not explain what caused the alleged breakdown in communication between Charles and Harry.

Archie was born on May 6, 2019, while Charles and Camilla were undertaking royal engagements in Germany. Harry and Meghan chose not to follow the traditional royal practice of posing with their newborn outside the hospital immediately after the birth. Instead, they introduced Archie to the public during a carefully arranged appearance at Windsor Castle two days later. The couple’s decision attracted considerable attention, particularly among members of the royal press who had expected a more traditional announcement.
Edwards was among those disappointed by the arrangements, explaining in an interview about his memoir that he had hoped to photograph the family outside the hospital. The photographer’s recollection is particularly significant because the alleged exchange took place approximately eight months before Harry and Meghan announced their intention to step back as senior working royals in January 2020.

The relationship between Charles and Harry has remained a subject of public scrutiny since the Sussexes stepped away from royal duties. Harry has discussed his difficult relationships with his father and brother, Prince William, in interviews and his memoir, “Spare.” The Duke has also spoken openly about his desire to reconcile with his family despite the disagreements that have unfolded over the years.
As The Blast previously reported, Harry acknowledged during an October 2026 interview with GQ that his estrangement from Charles and William continued to affect him. When asked whether the family divisions caused him grief, Harry replied, “Yeah, yes. Of course.”
He also made clear that he had not abandoned hope of repairing those relationships.
“I want it to work out,” the Duke said.
His comments came after the Sussexes returned to Britain, a move that initially raised hopes of closer contact between Harry and his royal relatives.
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Harry’s return to the UK has not necessarily resolved the tensions surrounding his relationship with Charles. Earlier reports suggested that the father and son had resumed regular conversations following the Sussexes’ relocation. However, The Blast reported in September that their communication had allegedly deteriorated again after a disagreement over palace guidance describing Harry and Meghan as private citizens.
A source claimed their conversations had become heated and that communication was once again being handled through royal advisers. Other reports have suggested that Charles remains interested in spending more time with Archie and his younger sister, Princess Lilibet.
Against that backdrop, Edwards’ recollection offers an earlier glimpse into the family’s complicated history. The photographer’s account does not establish why Charles and Harry were reportedly not speaking in May 2019. However, it suggests their relationship was already under strain during what should have been one of the happiest moments in Harry’s life.
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