Prince Harry’s upcoming visit to the United Kingdom has raised questions about whether reconciliation talks with his father, King Charles, are on the horizon. The Duke of Sussex is set to return to London for the first time in four months, but royal experts and historians suggest that formal peace talks with his father and brother may not be part of the agenda.
Renowned royal confidant Paul Burrell, who had a long history of service within the royal family, including 11 years as a footman to the queen and her husband before joining the service of Princess Diana in 1987, has offered insights into the delicate situation. According to Burrell, the likelihood of Harry receiving an invitation to visit his father, King Charles III, appears slim. He points out that Harry has embarked on a particular path, and reconciling with his family may prove to be a challenging endeavor.
One key point of contention is Harry’s past criticisms of Camilla, whom he referred to as his “wicked stepmother.” King Charles’s difficulty in forgiving these remarks adds an additional layer of complexity to any potential reunion between father and son during Harry’s UK visit.
Burrell casts doubt on the possibility of reconciliation, stating, “I don’t think there is going to be any meeting. These talks were murmured at Prince Philip’s funeral. There were murmurs at the Platinum Jubilee. They were murmured at the Queen’s funeral. They’re murmuring now. It’s not going to happen.” He also highlights the demanding royal schedule that could limit opportunities for such discussions during Harry’s visit.
Furthermore, there are reports suggesting that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have chosen to move forward and distance themselves from their roles within the royal family. According to Burrell, Harry, as the younger son of King Charles III, still respects royal protocol and would not seek to meet with his family without a formal invitation.
As Prince Harry’s return to the UK draws near, the prospect of reconciliation with his father remains uncertain. The dynamics within the royal family continue to evolve, leaving the future of their relationship in question.