Prince Harry has indicated a wish to heal the rift with the British royal family, despite ongoing disagreements over security measures that have caused tension, particularly with his father, King Charles III.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Harry disclosed that his father has stopped communicating with him due to a disagreement over his security arrangements in the UK, a matter that has made it challenging for him to safely visit his homeland with his family.
The Duke of Sussex spoke after losing a significant legal case on May 2, when the UK Court of Appeal rejected his attempt to reinstate the state-funded security he lost after stepping back from his royal roles in 2020. The judges unanimously decided that removing his automatic police protection was neither irrational nor procedurally unfair, despite Harry’s allegations that he was treated differently by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC).
During the interview, Harry appeared emotional and suggested that the initial security decision was meant to maintain control over him and his wife, Meghan. He argued that after they left the royal institution, the family and government did not adequately consider the security risks they face without protection. He described the court’s ruling as a “establishment stitch-up,” indicating palace influence in the process.
“I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” Harry told the BBC. “Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has. He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff, but it would be nice to reconcile.”
The mention of his father’s health was notable, as King Charles has been receiving cancer treatment since early 2024. Harry expressed the hope of mending their relationship before it is too late, though the security issue remains a significant barrier.
Buckingham Palace issued a brief response to Harry’s remarks, not addressing his reconciliation comments directly. Palace officials stated that “All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion,” supporting the court’s decision without addressing the personal elements of Harry’s appeal.
Harry maintains his security concerns are valid, citing threats from extremist groups and a paparazzi car chase in New York City, New York, in 2023. His legal team argued he “inherited a security risk at birth, for life” and that his military service in Afghanistan increased those risks. Without adequate protection, Harry stated he cannot see bringing Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, back to the UK.
The relationship between Harry and the royal family has been strained since he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Tensions grew following their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they discussed concerns about their son’s skin color. Harry’s memoir “Spare,” released in 2023, further strained relations by revealing private disputes, including an alleged physical altercation with his brother, Prince William.
Royal commentator Joe Little suggested Harry’s latest public remarks may not aid his reconciliation efforts. Little told the New York Post that Harry should have maintained a “dignified silence” if he truly wanted to repair relations with the royal family, noting that his continued public comments have made it difficult for the family to trust him with private information.
Despite his stated desire for reconciliation, Harry did not refrain from criticizing his family in the interview. He suggested that his father could resolve the security issue by “stepping aside” and “allowing the experts to do what is necessary.” He also referenced the tragedy of his mother, Princess Diana, implying that some might want “history to repeat itself,” a statement many royal observers found inflammatory.
Harry stated he has “forgiven” his family but acknowledged that some members “may never forgive” him for the revelations in his book. He remains firm that the security issue is “the only thing that’s left” hindering reconciliation, calling it the “sticking point” in their relationship.
The timing of Harry’s interview drew attention, coinciding with the royal family’s preparations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other senior royals attended public ceremonies on May 5, projecting a united front and focusing on royal duties rather than family issues. The palace appears to be adhering to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s motto of “keep calm and carry on” in response to Harry’s comments.
Some royal observers believe Princess Eugenie might help bridge the gap between Harry and the family. According to The Royal Observer, Eugenie has kept in touch with the Sussexes, visiting them in Portugal in 2023, and was the only royal family member featured in the couple’s Netflix documentary.
Currently, Harry and Meghan are in California with their children, unable to safely return to the UK as a family because of security concerns. Harry reaffirmed his enduring love for his country, expressing that he has always cherished it, despite the actions of certain individuals within it. However, he admitted that the likelihood of reconciling with his family remains uncertain as long as disagreements surrounding the security issue persist.
