King Charles Warned Harry Could 'Embarrass' and Put the Monarchy in 'Peril' as Prince Longs to Come Home

King Charles and Prince Harry attend the New Zealand Memorial Service marking the centenary of the World War One Gallipoli campaign at Chunuk Bair. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Paul Edwards - Pool)

Sep. 08 2025, Published 06:43 AM. ET

Prince Harry’s upcoming trip to Britain has stirred both hope and anxiety inside royal circles. The Duke of Sussex is set to attend the WellChild Awards in London on September 8, in what will be his longest stay in the UK since Queen Elizabeth’s death three years ago. For Harry, it is a chance to reconnect with his roots, while for King Charles, it could be a meeting 'full of peril.'

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, flanked by security guards, arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice on March 28, 2023 in London, England. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo) — Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, flanked by security guards, arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice on March 28, 2023, in London, England. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

As reported by The Express, royal biographer Tom Bower said, “There would be huge levels of emotion involved if they meet. Whatever Charles is facing, he would much prefer to have a good relationship with his son, so I’m sure he wants reconciliation. But he must bear in mind that he’s dealing with someone who could sabotage everything and embarrass him enormously.”

Despite his new life in California, those close to the Duke insist that his connection to Britain remains strong. A friend of the Prince recently told The Times, “He’s not given up hope on bringing his family back to the UK. He wants to be able to show his children where he grew up. He wants them to know their family here. He really would like to come back to the UK much more.” Meghan Markle has stayed away since September 2022, the late Queen's funeral, while Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet last set foot in the country during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June that year.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave Westminster Hall, London after the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II was brought to the hall to lie in state ahead of her funeral. (Image Source: Getty Images | Danny Lawson) — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave Westminster Hall, London, after the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II was brought to the hall to lie in state ahead of her funeral. (Image Source: Getty Images | Danny Lawson)

Harry himself has admitted that the situation pains him. Speaking to the BBC in May after losing his battle for state-funded security, he said, “I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point. And the things they’re going to miss, well, everything… I miss the UK.” Speculation about whether Harry will use his September trip to meet his father has grown, especially as it coincides with the death anniversary of the Queen. Charles has not seen his youngest son in more than 20 months, their last meeting coming shortly after the King’s cancer diagnosis in February 2024.

Roya Nikkhah, royal editor at The Sunday Times, is of the opinion that Harry is recalibrating his approach. After spending more than £1 million on a failed legal challenge over government-funded security, there is now, she says, “an acknowledgment by the Prince and his camp that pressing the nuclear button of a public battle with His Majesty’s government and courts was not the wisest idea.” According to Nikkhah, “He will now pursue a quieter, under-the-radar approach — those close to the Prince say the government should expect private lobbying from the Prince on the matter to continue.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex walks behind Queen Elizabeth II's coffin as it is transported on a gun carriage from Buckingham Palace to The Palace of Westminster. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo) — Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, walks behind Queen Elizabeth II's coffin as it is transported on a gun carriage from Buckingham Palace to The Palace of Westminster. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo)

This comes as Harry inches toward a reconciliation, not with headlines and lawsuits, but with gradual, private efforts such as agreeing to share his calendar with the Firm to avoid stealing the spotlight during royal events. Still, the trust deficit with his family remains wide, and Bower’s warnings about 'peril' loom over any potential meeting. For Harry, the pull to 'come home much more' has to do more with his desire to give his children a sense of their heritage and to heal personal wounds. For Charles, however, the prospect of a reunion is complicated, and if the commentators are to be believed, he is walking on eggshells.