As Prince Harry marks his 41st birthday, royal observers suggest that his foremost wish might be a reconciliation with his family.
"Harry is sending serious signals that he wants reconciliation," royal analyst Richard Fitzwilliams shared with Fox News Digital. He pointed to Harry's recent itinerary, which included an audience with King Charles and an unexpected visit to Ukraine, as evidence of a fresh approach guided by new advisers.
Harry's meeting with King Charles, which took place on September 10 at the King's London residence, marked the first time the two have met in over a year. This reunion followed a poignant interview Harry gave to the BBC in May, where he expressed his longing to mend ties with his family. Fitzwilliams, however, deemed this interview a "serious error."
"Harry made a serious error in giving an emotional half-hour interview to the BBC when he lost his case over automatic police protection," Fitzwilliams stated. During the interview, Harry had confessed, "I would love a reconciliation with my family. Theres no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious. I dont know how much longer my father has."
This statement was particularly poignant given King Charles' cancer diagnosis in February 2024.
Ian Pelham Turner, another royal expert, described Harry's current actions as a "well-structured charm offensive" aimed at restoring his credibility and showcasing his inherent kindness and core values.
"Harry is longing for a popular return to Britain with Meghan and his children," Pelham Turner noted, recalling a time when Harry and Meghan's popularity surpassed that of Prince William and Kate Middleton. He suggested that Harry and Meghan could "reclaim that throne again" with "a more relaxed royal protocol and a more secure Meghan."
Pelham Turner emphasized the importance of unity for the monarchy's future, stating, "The royal brand must stay united now, egos have to be put aside, with much less secrets and much more openness required."
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, told Fox News Digital that Harry's reputation has suffered, but his recent European tour was "the perfect PR strategy engineered to initiate a reputation reboot." She added, "Prince Harry meeting with his father was a small part of the strategy.
However, the meeting was significant as it highlights progress of sorts, however superficial. Its a glimmer of hope that, in time, father and son will privately rebuild a relationship."
While King Charles appears open to reconciliation, Prince William's stance seems less clear. "The senior royals dont do anything by mistake, especially Prince William," said royal expert Hilary Fordwich.
"His having maintained a distance from Harrys reunion with King Charles, while the palace adopted an understated, cautious approach to public messaging, focusing on privacy and dignity rather than commentary or celebration says it all."
Fordwich suggested that any potential reconciliation now hinges on Harry's actions and words. "His actions are on the line, he must prove he truly wants a closer bond by displaying, finally, dignity and dedication to duty, not just to himself.
Harry has repeatedly voiced his desire to have his children know the family of his birthright and country, to know their heritage. The entire family is in wait and see mode.'"
Harry's relationship with his family has been strained since he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from their senior royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California. The couple's grievances were aired in interviews and documentaries, and Harry's 2023 memoir, "Spare," which revealed embarrassing details about the House of Windsor and his sibling rivalry, further exacerbated tensions.
In July, the U.K.s Daily Mail reported that Harry had quietly extended an olive branch by offering to share his official schedule of engagements, a move intended to ease tensions with the king. The publication also reported that Harrys aides had a private meeting with the kings communications secretary in London. Buckingham Palace and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment at the time.
Harry and William were last seen together in August 2024 at the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, where they maintained their distance.
"There have been many reports in the British press that William is still extremely angry with Harry and does not want his father softening his position by meeting with him or allowing contact," Pelham Turner previously told Fox News Digital. "King Charles feels it is his Christian duty to welcome Harry, Meghan Markle and their family back into the fold."
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