King Charles III is encouraging efforts to bring together Prince William and Prince Harry during Harry’s planned visit to the United Kingdom in July, according to reports citing palace sources.
The King, who is being treated for cancer, is said to view the trip as a possible chance to ease long-running tensions between his sons. The relationship between William and Harry has been strained for years and shows little sign of improvement.
Charles has not seen Harry’s children — Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5 — in person since 2022. Palace sources say the King is eager to strengthen family ties and reduce divisions within the royal family.
According to those sources, Charles believes a private meeting between the brothers during Harry’s visit could help begin a reconciliation. They also acknowledge any such meeting would likely be difficult and emotionally charged.
William, the Prince of Wales, is reported by people familiar with his views to remain opposed to reconciliation efforts at this time. His relationship with Harry has been largely strained since Harry and his wife, Meghan, stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
Tensions deepened after the couple gave televised interviews and Harry published a memoir that included criticism of the royal family.
Royal observers say previous attempts at unity, including family gatherings following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, did not lead to lasting reconciliation.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on private family matters.
Despite the challenges, sources close to the King say he remains determined to encourage dialogue between his sons. They say he believes continued estrangement is damaging to the family.
Charles has previously spoken about the importance of family unity and has in the past urged his sons not to let their dispute deepen.
