The strained relationship between Prince Harry and his immediate family, particularly with King Charles and Prince William, has been evident in recent years.
Despite Harry’s visit to the UK in February to see his father after Charles’ cancer diagnosis, he did not have a face-to-face encounter with Prince William. The last time the brothers were in the same place was at the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, in August, but they reportedly kept their distance.
Harry has since made other trips to the UK, including for the Invictus Games anniversary in May and the WellChild Awards in September, without meeting his father in person since February.
According to royal biographer Robert Hardman, any attempt at reconciliation between Harry and King Charles must also involve Prince William.
Hardman explains, “You had both of them [Harry and Charles] in London simultaneously, and many wondered why they couldn’t meet and talk. The reasons are complex but significant.” He highlights two main obstacles:
- Timing and Stress: King Charles is undergoing cancer treatment, and a potentially heated conversation with Harry could be overwhelming. Hardman notes that the King’s advisors believe now is not the right time for such an emotionally charged discussion.
- Involving Prince William: Any meaningful dialogue between Harry and King Charles cannot happen without Prince William’s involvement. As the future monarch, William needs to be part of these discussions, given that any agreement would impact him and the future of the monarchy. The relationship between William and Harry remains particularly complicated, making reconciliation a delicate matter.
Additionally, Harry has been involved in legal battles over his security arrangements in the UK since relocating to the United States with Meghan Markle in 2020.
He was recently granted permission to appeal a decision regarding his taxpayer-funded security, which had been reduced following his departure from royal duties. This legal action has placed King Charles in a challenging position.
As Hardman details in his updated book, Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, the situation is complex.
A senior constitutional expert commented, “The King’s son is suing the King’s ministers in the King’s courts, pulling the King in three directions.” The case could escalate if Harry discloses private conversations with his father during the court proceedings, potentially putting the legal process in jeopardy.
Overall, Prince William’s involvement is seen as essential for any true resolution within the family, as his future role as king makes his input crucial in any agreements reached between Harry and Charles.
