Is King Charles ignoring Prince Harry? Worrying change in father and son’s relationship deepens royal rift

MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA: Prince Harry, who has been fiercely protective of his family since leaving the royal family, is reportedly estranged from his father, King Charles. 

Harry's intense desire to shield his wife Meghan Markle and children has further strained his relationship with his father. The situation worsened after Harry stepped down from his royal duties, leading to significant public backlash.

King Charles skips Prince Harry's Invictus Games ceremony 

During Harry’s return to the UK in May to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, his father Charles was noticeably absent from the ceremony. 

Harry and Charles were also unable to meet during Harry's visit. Harry's spokesperson said this was due to the king's "full schedule." However, sources close to Harry suggest there may be a deeper issue.

Harry wanted to discuss his ongoing fight for security, which he has been pursuing in court for over four years, as he believes that Charles, 75, could help reinstate his security.

The family rift began in 2020 when Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal roles.

This has led to sharp attacks and unresolved tensions. For Harry, security remains the most significant issue, according to multiple well-placed insiders. 

Despite the estrangement, Harry remains very worried about the safety of his wife and children, Archie and Lilibet. He has repeatedly asked his father for help, according to sources.

"Harry is frightened and feels the only person who can do anything about it is his father," a royal insider said. Another source said, "Harry is determined to protect his family at all costs."

The situation is escalating. In the ITV documentary 'Tabloids on Trial' which aired in the UK on July 25, Harry expressed fears that negative press could lead to a violent attack on his wife.

"All it takes is one lone actor," he said, explaining his decision not to bring Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet back to the UK due to these "genuine concerns."

Harry has also taken the issue to court but lost his bid to restore taxpayer-funded security earlier this year, People reported.

The monarch has no power in the UK to grant police protection; this responsibility lies with the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC), which acts on behalf of the government.

Harry offered to cover the cost of police protection himself, but this was also rejected in court. He believes that Charles could intervene to ensure such protection is provided.

The issue has created a significant barrier between Harry and Charles. The situation has moved from frustration to "complete silence" from the king, according to a friend.

The friend said that resolving the security issue would lead to peace.

Indeed, nothing “would give [Harry] more happiness than being able to rekindle his bond with his father. At the end of the day,” the friend added.

“You can’t undo bloodlines. He’s not asking his dad for a nicer house or nicer cars. He’s asking because of the reality of the situation. He is at risk."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit from royal family

Harry and Meghan met in 2016 and married in 2018, as per BBC. They stepped down as senior royals in January 2020, which deepened the rift between Charles and Harry. Upset by media intrusion, they were frustrated when Buckingham Palace blocked their plans to create the SussexRoyal brand.

Although Harry remains a prince and is fifth in line to the throne, he and Meghan no longer use the titles His or Her Royal Highness (HRH).

They retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles but Harry relinquished his military titles. When Charles became king, their two children were given the titles Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. The couple no longer has an official residence in the UK.

King Charles no longer taking Prince Harry's calls

Despite a hopeful meeting between father and son in February after the king’s cancer diagnosis, their relationship has since worsened.

Friends of Harry say the king no longer answers his calls or replies to his letters. "He gets 'unavailable right now' when he tries to reach him," said a friend of Harry's. "His calls go unanswered. He has tried to reach out about the King's health, but those calls go unanswered too." 

Earlier in June, King Charles expressed frustration about only seeing his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, occasionally via video calls.

A source revealed, "The King is absolutely committed to being present in all of his grandchildren's lives. He values family above everything and whatever the course of his ­relationship with his son he would never be content with just seeing his grandchildren on the odd video call."