Future visits by Prince Harry to the United Kingdom could test whether King Charles and Prince William can maintain a united approach while balancing family reconciliation with the responsibilities of the monarchy, a royal expert has said.
Royal commentator and author Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail that the king and the Prince of Wales must agree on how to handle future interactions with the Duke of Sussex to prevent tensions within the family from overshadowing the work of the institution.
Harry, 41, recently returned to Britain for a two-week visit, where he attended engagements focused on mental health, youth empowerment and the Invictus Games. Although his wife, Meghan Markle, 44, and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, accompanied him during the trip, Harry carried out his public appearances independently.
The visit included a private meeting between Harry, King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove, marking a significant moment in the relationship between father and son. It was also the first time Charles had seen Archie and Lilibet in person since their visit to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
The meeting was seen as a possible step toward easing years of tension between Harry and the king. However, Harry’s relationship with his older brother remains strained, with reports suggesting the two are still distant.
Fitzwilliams said the differing views of Charles and William over Harry’s role could create challenges for the future of the royal family. He pointed to William’s decision to attend a polo event on the same day Harry and Meghan met with Charles as a sign that the Prince of Wales continues to keep his distance.
The expert said further visits by the Sussexes are likely and could involve improved arrangements around accommodation and security. He added that stronger ties between Harry and Charles could eventually lead to greater cooperation, including a possible invitation for the king to attend the Invictus Games in Birmingham.
However, Fitzwilliams warned that any reconciliation should be handled privately to avoid distracting from the duties of working royals.
Harry’s relationship with the monarchy deteriorated after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and later criticised senior members of the family in interviews, a Netflix documentary and his memoir, “Spare.”
As Charles and William prepare for the monarchy’s future, managing their relationship with Harry remains one of their most sensitive challenges.
