King Charles left 'saddened and perplexed' by Prince Harry's sabotage claims

Prince Harry's accusation of "sabotage" has left frustrated King Charles "perplexed", it has been claimed.

Harry and his father did not see each other in person for 19 months, despite the fact Harry visited the UK a number of times, but the pair did meet earlier this month at Clarence House. It was reported Harry felt the meeting had been “distinctly formal” - describing the reunion as “very official, like an official visit”.

Harry was reportedly furious at what he viewed as a concerted campaign by unnamed Palace officials to "sabotage" his attempts at a family reconciliation following their fall out. The 41-year-old was said to be particularly infuriated by briefings to newspapers.

READ MORE: Prince Harry hits out at those 'intent on sabotaging reunion' with King

READ MORE: Prince Harry slams claim he felt like 'official visitor' at King Charles meeting

A spokesperson for Harry said: “Recent reporting of the duke’s view of the tone of the meeting, is categorically false. The quotes attributed to him are pure invention, fed, one can only assume, by sources intent on sabotaging any reconciliation between father and son.”

But now, a royal source claims palace aides have actually been trying to improve relations. The insider told The Times: “The reality is that senior aides have been working behind the scenes to improve what is a delicate but important private family relationship.” The outlet reported the palace was left “saddened and perplexed” by Harry's claims of sabotage.

The continued fall out between Harryand officials came after it emerged talks were underway that would culminate with the King and his son coming together in a show of unity. Another source close to Prince Harry told the Mail On Sunday: "The relationship between the Duke and His Majesty The King is a matter for the two of them and the two of them only. The men in grey suits should stay out of it."

The outlet reported part of the plans involved more public events in the UK that could include Harry, even though he is no longer a working member of the Royal Family. But Palace officials soon spoke out against a "half-in, half-out" return for the royal.

There were claims the Duke had "mistaken a brief tea and a slice of cake for the Treaty of Versailles". The Sun also reported Harry's meeting with the King had been "distinctly formal" and that the Duke later joked he felt more like "an official visitor".

In response to The Sun's report, Harry's spokesperson said: "Recent reporting of the Duke's view of the tone of the meeting is categorically false.

"The quotes attributed to him are pure invention fed, one can only assume, by sources intent on sabotaging any reconciliation between father and son. Presumably, those same sources have also chosen to disclose that gifts were exchanged.

"While we would have preferred such details to remain private, for the sake of clarity we can confirm that a framed photograph was handed over, however the image did not contain the Duke and Duchess."