Despite Prince Harry’s recent attempts to reconnect with his father, King Charles seems reluctant to reciprocate his son’s efforts, with sources suggesting the Monarch’s focus on safeguarding his health is keeping the door to reconciliation closed for now.
Prince Harry, along with his wife Meghan Markle, have found themselves at odds with the Royal Family since their decision to step down from official duties in 2020. The couple’s relocation to Los Angeles and continued public attacks aimed at The Firm has only widened the gulf between them and the rest of the royals.
Despite a brief reunion between Harry and his father earlier this year, after the Monarch was diagnosed with cancer, there has been little progress on the road to reconciliation.
A subsequent meeting, planned during Harry’s UK visit for the Invictus Games, was cancelled due to the King’s busy schedule, adding to the divide.
Royal biographer Robert Hardman suggests that, for now, the door to reconciliation remains closed due to recommendations for the King to minimise stress as he battles cancer. With “a lot to unpack” between Harry and his father, advisors feel it’s best to avoid such discussions at this time.
“I know people keep saying, ‘Why doesn’t he see Harry when he is in town? Why can’t they patch things up?’ Hardman told Fox News Digital.
“But right now, there is a sense that we’ve just got to keep the king’s stress levels down. We don’t want him to have extra things to worry about. Let’s get through this… There is a sense that now is probably not the time.
“If you listen to what Harry has said in his TV series, in his book, in interviews — there’s a lot to unpack.
“There are a lot of things he wants to get sorted out to go through to process… Right now, there’s a sense that it’s not the time. But I’m sure the king would like to normalise things.”
While reconciliation might not be on the cards for now, reports indicate King Charles is unlikely to ever sever ties with his son.
According to royal expert Ingrid Seward, the King’s enduring bond with Harry stems from his deep commitment to family and a heartfelt desire to remain close to his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, Seward revealed that “family has always been important to the King”.
“He remembers his own somewhat fragmented childhood as his parents were always busy doing their duty. It is a great sadness to him he doesn’t see more of Archie and Lilibet,” she told the publication.
“That is why he will never break ties with Harry. He does not want a FaceTime relationship with his son’s children.
“He wants to know them and be involved with their lives while they are still young enough to be able to learn from his wisdom.”