Prince Harry is set to reunite with his father, King Charles, after a gap of 20 months when he returns to the UK in a fortnight. However, Prince William has declined any efforts for reconciliation with his brother.
The improving relationship between Prince Harry and the King follows discussions with Buckingham Palace officials. Prince Harry is scheduled to arrive in London on September 8, coinciding with the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, to attend the WellChild Awards, a charitable event he has long been involved with.
This visit will mark Prince Harry’s return since his unsuccessful appeal regarding the reduction of his security in the UK. Simultaneously, King Charles is in the UK without any scheduled international trips until later in September, creating an opportunity for the father and son to meet in person for the first time since February 2024.
The two have not met since January last year, during which time King Charles has been receiving treatment for cancer. A source revealed that efforts are being made by both sides to facilitate this meeting, indicating a shared desire for reconciliation, starting with King Charles and Prince Harry.
After nearly two years apart and with ongoing treatment for the King, there is a sense that the timing is appropriate for this step. The focus is on a private and respectful conversation between father and son, aiming to lay the groundwork for future dialogues. However, any prospects of reconciliation between Prince Harry and Prince William have been dismissed outright.
Despite the potential meeting between Prince Harry and King Charles, Meghan Markle, Harry’s wife, intends to remain in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. The lack of direct contact between Prince Harry and the King has prompted discussions between their respective communication teams to facilitate updates on the King’s health and avoid scheduling conflicts.
While the King has shown openness to reconciling, tensions persist between Prince Harry and Prince Charles. There is a sentiment that trust needs to be rebuilt, particularly in the wake of Harry and Meghan’s public criticisms of the Royal Family.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have been vocal in their criticisms of the monarchy, which has strained relations further. The ongoing efforts to mend these relationships reflect a complex dynamic within the royal family.
Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Buckingham Palace have refrained from commenting on the matter.