Prince Harry’s Hopes for Reconciliation With King Charles May Hinge on a Single Decision
Prince Harry has only one realistic path forward if he truly wants to repair his fractured relationship with his father, King Charles — it’s bringing his children back to the UK to visit their grandpa. Unless Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, have physically arrived in the UK, any progress between the father and son is likely to remain half-done, argues a royal expert. Personal visits, however well-intentioned, may not be enough to heal a rift rooted as much in family as in past disagreements.
According to the Express, royal commentator Jasmine Carey laid out the argument. She wrote that while Harry’s last UK visit to meet his father after 19 months was believed to have 'helped build bridges,' their bond won’t fully recover unless the grandchildren across the pond are involved. She emphasized that Charles isn’t just a monarch but also 'a loving, caring family man.' She pointed to his close relationship with his eldest son, Prince William, and his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Carey insisted that not being able to see Lilibet and Archie since 2022 must be 'upsetting for any grandparent,' even if video calls may have taken place.
The Sussex children, like their mother, Meghan Markle, haven’t visited the UK in years over Harry’s security concerns. She wrote that these fears could be addressed following the review, which is believed to begin this year. While Charles also has three other grandchildren and step-grandchildren with Queen Camilla, Carey maintained that he would “no doubt still be wishing for a relationship with Archie and Lilibet.” As per the expert, even if relations are improving, they will unlikely be restored unless Harry truly commits and brings his entire family back into the King’s life.
The aforementioned security issue remains central to that possibility. Last year, Harry lost his appeal over the reinstatement of UK police protection. However, the Home Office has ordered a fresh security review upon Harry's written request. As per royal expert Jennie Bond, this move could be pivotal. While speaking to The Mirror, Bond stressed that the security review will play a major role in Harry extending the olive branch to his father.
As per Bond, the long-running security dispute is a 'spanner in the works' for their relationship. She argued, “I think it’s only by coming over and seeing his dad in person from time to time that the rift between them could gradually be mended.” Bond also advised Harry to communicate through letters, noting that Charles is a 'great letter writer.' Her suggestion echoes that of Carey, that without resolving the security concerns or reintroducing his children into the King’s daily reality, Harry’s hopes for a proper reconciliation may remain out of reach.