Prince Harry angling for a reunion with King Charles amid UK visit for uncle’s funeral, claims insider
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Prince Harry reportedly looked forward to a reunion with his father, King Charles III, as he traveled to England for the funeral of uncle Robert Fellowes.
On Wednesday, August 28, the Duke of Sussex made a last-minute touch-down to pay respects to his late uncle, Lord Fellowes, who was the husband of Lady Jane Fellowes, Princess Diana’s elder sister.
The solemn memorial service was attended by Prince Harry’s elder brother Prince William as well.
Prince Harry wishes for reunion with his father but does King Charles want it too?
As Prince Harry made one of his rare appearances in England, it has been speculated that he is willing to reunite with his father, per In Touch.
However, the feeling may not be mutual, as royal journalist Dan Wootton recently claimed in a report in his Dan Wootton Outspoken blog, that the 75-year-old monarch is looking at Harry’s intent with some skepticism.
Wootton wrote that Charles is “concerned about Harry losing the Netflix deal and coming cap in hand asking for a cash handout,” if they ultimately meet for his son’s desired union.
The journalist continued, per In Touch, “But the risk is with the monarch, weakened as he continues to suffer from serious cancer, under pressure from Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and always more open to a ceasefire in order to live an easier life in his twilight years,” Wootton said.
Previously, it was reported that the monarch was looking forward to a reunion as well after getting "spiritual nourishment" from religious leaders.
This year, the estranged father and son had just one brief meeting in February when Harry flew to England from his Montecito, California, home after he learned about his father’s cancer diagnosis.
When Harry visited his native country again in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary service of the Invictus Games, neither his father nor his estranged brother, the Prince of Wales, met the wayward duke.
Wootton highlighted in his report that though there was a brief meeting between the king and his younger son in February, the tension did not dissipate.
Wootton said, “Phone calls have not been returned and the in-person meeting after his cancer announcement was moved to Clarence House instead of Sandringham so that it could be limited to less than half an hour” between Charles and Harry.
The royal expert added that Harry’s hopes of a reunion with King Charles have been dashed as “in recent months, Charles, with wise encouragement from [Queen] Camilla, has finally realized dealing with Harry is a hindrance to his recovery".
King Charles’ relationship with the Sussexes has deteriorated since Harry and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties and moved to California in 2020.
Following their flight to America, the Sussexes criticized the royals through their infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey, and their Netflix show ‘Harry and Megan’.
Harry divulged some well-guarded royal secrets in his 2023 memoir ‘Spare’ as well, which did nothing but to exacerbate the animosity between the Firm and the King’s younger son.
Prince Harry and Prince William may not reconcile soon
While Prince Harry and King Charles’ reunion can still be expected, the same cannot be said for the Duke of Sussex’s reunion with William.
It has been said that though both the brothers were present at Lord Fellowes’ memorial service, they did not communicate with each other.
A source told The Sun, “William and Harry were both there but we never saw them speak to each other and they were keeping their distance.”
Another insider added, “I didn’t know they were there. They arrived very discreetly.”
