He exclusively told The Daily Express: “The King wanted to see his grandchildren and he did. No photograph was issued.

“The meeting of the King, Camilla, Harry and Meghan, Archie and Lili, was strictly private.

“Meanwhile William and Catherine sent a very different message at the polo, that of togetherness, but also publicly ignoring those who William feels betrayed him and the monarchy. They and their children are its future.”

He continued: “The Palace will be watching every nuance of what follows, especially considering the Sussexes fatefully symbiotic relationship with the media.”

It is not known how William feels about his father meeting Harry at Highgrove on Friday.