Charles was in Scotland for Royal Week after the summit – marking a traditional celebration of Scottish culture and community which sees the monarch base himself at Holyroodhouse and attend engagements across the country.
The King, Queen Camilla, William and Prince Edward then appeared together at St Giles’ Cathedral for the Order of the Thistle service, presenting a united front in velvet ceremonial robes.
Behind the scenes, however, advisers are still grappling with what one source called the “recurring psychodrama” surrounding Harry’s movements.
Sources claimed that, ahead of Harry’s visit, Charles had offered to accommodate his son at a royal residence during his stay – including the possibility of rooms inside Buckingham Palace – but the duke was understood not to have accepted, leading to yet another public spat between the pair when the offer was withdrawn.
Harry has previously favored hotels or private homes over official accommodation on his travels – a choice that complicates security planning and symbolizes his distance from the institution.
A royal aide claimed: “The offer of a roof over Harry’s head was made, as it always is, but he clearly prefers to be separate. That is his right, but it makes everything more difficult and sends a message about where he sees himself.”