Additional Coverage:
- King Charles and Prince Harry ‘extremely unlikely’ to reconcile despite monarch’s Canada trip: expert (foxnews.com)
King Charles’s upcoming visit to Canada won’t include a reunion with Prince Harry, according to royal experts. The King and Queen are scheduled to be in Canada on May 26th and 27th, putting them geographically closer to the California-based Duke of Sussex. However, sources say a father-son reconciliation isn’t in the cards.
Experts believe the strained relationship, fueled by Harry’s public airing of family grievances and security concerns, makes a meeting unlikely. British broadcaster Helena Chard notes that while the King likely desires reconciliation, years of animosity and broken trust make it difficult.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich echoes this sentiment, stating that Harry’s public comments, particularly those regarding the King’s health and security, have further damaged the relationship. Fordwich emphasizes the King’s need for discretion, given Harry’s tendency to reveal private conversations.
Some experts suggest logistical reasons also play a role. Shannon Felton Spence, a former British public affairs official, points out that royal tours are meticulously planned months in advance, leaving little room for impromptu visits. Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner agrees, noting that protocol and pre-set plans are rarely altered.
Despite Harry’s recent statements expressing a desire for reconciliation, experts like Chard believe the onus is on him to apologize and demonstrate humility before any meaningful progress can be made. She suggests that Harry’s “unscrupulous behavior” and tendency to blame his family hinders any potential reconciliation.
Fordwich adds that such a private meeting would greatly benefit Harry, given his expressed desire to mend the fractured relationship. However, Harry’s concerns about security and media scrutiny in the UK continue to complicate the situation, making a return to his homeland with his wife and children seem improbable.