There is a glaring sign that Prince Harry’s relationship with King Charles is now beyond repair as he skips a meet-up with his dad during his long-awaited quick UK visit. The Duke of Sussex has finally jetted back to British soil for an Invictus Games event, leaving Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, back in California.
Landing on Tuesday, May 7, speculation was rife about whether Harry would catch up with King Charles. However, hopes for a father-son catch-up have been dashed. A spokesperson for Prince Harry has confirmed that there will be no meeting due to the King’s packed schedule.
The statement from Harry’s camp stated: “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme. The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”
Despite expectations of a reunion, top Royal expert and former BBC roya editor Jennie Bond told OK! that the missed opportunity suggests a deep rift, saying, “we can deduce that their relationship is terminally damaged”. Jennie also suggested: “In a sensible world, Harry would stay with his dad at Clarence House – they could have cosy chats in perfect privacy and with all the security Harry wants.”
During a previous visit to the UK, Harry visited his father following the news of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. This journey marks Harry’s first trip back home since it was revealed that Kate Middleton, his sister-in-law, is undergoing cancer treatment after having surgery in January.
Jennie offered insights into Harry’s relationship with his older brother Prince William, saying: “As regards William, that does appear to be a terminally damaged relationship.”
There has been a noticeable rift between Prince Harry and Prince William which doesn’t appear to be getting resolved anytime soon
She then suggested a shift in their dynamic, saying: “In a way, it seems the boot is now very much on the other foot. Previously it was Harry who was the ‘victim’ looking for an apology for all his perceived grievances. Now those grievances must seem utterly trivial (even to Harry) in the face of a very real problem: cancer.”
Pointing out the gravity of the situation and its impact on family relations, she added: “Kate and William are involved in a frightening fight and I don’t think they have the will or the strength to confront someone, even a brother, who picked a fight over issues that seem pathetic by comparison.”
Jennie summed up her thoughts by saying: “William is doing everything he possibly can to protect his wife and I very much doubt that they want to deal with ‘the Harry problem’ right now, if ever.”