King Charles has been feeling the strain of the ongoing rift within the royal family, particularly missing his son Prince Harry, according to royal biographer Tina Brown.
The author, known for her friendship with the late Princess Diana, claims the King is eager to rebuild his bond with Harry, but only if the younger royal can restrain his public commentary.
Their recent meeting at Clarence House on September 10 lasted 54 minutes, marking the first face-to-face encounter between father and son in 19 months, and was described by Brown as a moment of paternal longing fulfilled.
Prince William Remains Frustrated by Harry’s UK Visit
While Charles seeks reconciliation, Prince William is reportedly furious over his brother’s return to the UK.
Brown described the Duke of Cambridge as “enraged” by Harry’s efforts to hold concurrent engagements, effectively upstaging William’s own appearances.
Sources suggest that William has been particularly irked by Harry’s charity events receiving positive attention after the Duke of Sussex had previously criticized the family publicly through interviews, documentaries, and his memoir, Spare.
The King’s Patience Is Tested
Brown noted that Charles is becoming weary of William’s stubbornness, expressing frustration at his elder son’s self-righteous approach to the family feud.
Despite this, the King is still said to desire a reconnection with Harry, though only if it avoids further public disputes.
Palace insiders have dismissed speculation that Harry could resume a “half-in, half-out” role as a working royal, emphasizing that the notion he might help ease William’s workload is misleading.
Mixed Messages From “Team Harry”
Tensions have also been fueled by briefings from sources close to Harry, suggesting a thaw in his relationship with the King and potential return to public events in the UK four or five times a year.
Royals close to the King, however, insist these claims exaggerate the reality, cautioning that the situation is far from a formal reconciliation.
Brown warns that some in Harry’s circle may be attempting to drive a wedge between Charles and William, citing unsubstantiated claims about William’s work ethic and the apparent ease with which Harry is conducting his charitable activities.
Contrasting Royal Approaches
Brown highlighted a stark contrast between the brothers’ recent UK appearances.
Harry’s four-day solo trip, which included a surprise visit to Ukraine, was marked by buoyant public engagements, while William and Kate’s charity appearances were described as “groaningly square”.
During his visit to Kyiv, Harry defended his memoir, saying it was a corrective to previous stories about the family.
He emphasized that he did not air private matters recklessly and that his conscience was clear.
The Private Tea With Charles
The meeting between Charles and Harry on September 10 was intimate, taking place over tea and a brief chat at Clarence House.
This followed a long period of estrangement that began after Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties in 2020.
Brown points out that Charles has long longed for Harry’s return, recalling the son he knew as a fun-loving, mischievous child compared with the more formal William.
She also noted the King has shown patience despite years of public criticism from Harry.
A Fragile Path to Reconciliation
Although there have been initial steps to open communication, including aides from both households meeting earlier this year, Brown warns that trust remains fragile.
The royal family is cautious, aware that missteps could undo any progress toward reconciliation between father and son.
The situation reflects the broader challenge of balancing public expectation, family loyalty, and personal grievances within the modern monarchy, with King Charles navigating the delicate terrain between love for his children and the ongoing tensions with William and Harry.