The turning point in Prince Charles's relationship with Harry

Prince Charles is reportedly "closer than ever" to his son Prince Harry after their summer holiday in Scotland.

Charles, 69, is said to have been "thrilled" that Harry, 33, and Meghan, 37, chose to spend almost a week with him at the Castle of Mey, the former home of the Queen Mother, earlier this summer, reports the Daily Mail.

The time together also meant Charles could continue forging the "lovely relationship" he shares with his daughter-in-law.

Charles has a "real soft spot" for the Duchess of Sussex. Photo / Getty Images

A royal source told Vanity Fair's Katie Nicholl: "The wedding was a real turning point.

"Charles showed so much love towards Harry and Meghan, and I think Harry will be eternally grateful to his papa for stepping in and giving Meghan's hand in marriage. The bond between them is very close."

The source added that Charles has a "real soft spot" for the Duchess of Sussex and has been "very supportive" of her as she continues to face public criticism from her own father, Thomas Markle.

The Queen Mother acquired the Castle of Mey, in Caithness, on the far north-east coast of Scotland, shortly after the death of her husband King George VI in 1952.

She remained fond of the coastal property and holidayed there every year until her death.

Charles stepped in at the last minute to walk Meghan down the aisle. Photo / Getty Images

Prince Charles, who was very close to his maternal grandmother, now spends time there with the Duchess of Cornwall, 69, every summer.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to have spent several days at the Castle of Mey with Charles at the start of August and time with the Queen, 92, at Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, later in the month.

They have since returned to London and their busy schedule of royal engagements.

The couple attended a charity performance of West End musical Hamilton and were guests of honour at the WellChild Awards in London last week.

Most recently the couple attended a gala benefiting military veterans and their families.