Prince Harry displayed telling signs of inner anxiety before his reconciliation meeting with King Charles, but body language after their encounter revealed the 55-minute conversation went well. The Duke of Sussex was seen repeatedly touching his stomach, chest and belt area during a London engagement before heading to Clarence House - gestures that experts identify as self-soothing rituals indicating vulnerability.
Body language expert Judi James explained that Harry's stomach touching is "a signature self-soothing gesture" he uses when in a "more vulnerable child state". His other touching rituals appeared to be "self-comfort barrier checking gestures hinting at inner anxiety" before the high-stakes family meeting.
Signs of relief after meeting
The Duke's demeanour shifted dramatically after emerging from Clarence House following the Thursday evening meeting with his father. James noted that Harry's "self-comfort anxiety rituals" disappeared completely, suggesting he felt "either relief or self-assured or both" - indicating the meeting went well.
Harry's confidence appeared to build during the car journey to see Charles, with his "status and adult signals" increasing as though his confidence was building at the thought of seeing his father again. The meeting marked their first face-to-face encounter in 19 months, since Harry's brief visit in February 2024 following Charles's cancer diagnosis.
Ukraine visit shows continued confidence
The Prince's positive state continued during his surprise trip to Ukraine on Friday, where he joined Invictus Games Foundation veterans at a rehabilitation centre. His spokesman revealed Harry "loved being back in the UK" and felt the four-day visit was a success after "catching up with old friends".
The reconciliation attempt began with Harry privately laying flowers at Queen Elizabeth II's grave on Monday, marking the third anniversary of her death. However, he remained separate from Prince William, who was just seven miles away visiting a Women's Institute branch in his grandmother's honour.
Relationship reset efforts
Sources suggest Harry regrets past actions and wants to reset his relationship with both family and Britain. The meeting at Clarence House was chosen for its privacy and sentimental value, as the residence holds personal significance for Charles.
Harry concluded his visit with The Diana Award event, emphasising his commitment to causes close to his late mother. Chief executive Tessy Ojo noted the brothers have "always done things separately" except for Princess Diana's 20th anniversary commemorations.
The Duke's legal battle over security arrangements continues to create barriers with his father, with Harry previously telling the BBC that Charles "will not speak to him" because of the court case. However, senior aides from both sides met in London in July, reportedly opening communication channels for potential future dialogue.
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "Express", "The Standard" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
