Additional Coverage:
- Prince Harry ‘desperate’ to win back royal family in latest maneuver with King Charles: expert (foxnews.com)
Prince Harry Extends Olive Branch to Royal Family Amid Reconciliation Hopes
Reports suggest Prince Harry is eager to mend his relationship with the royal family. The Duke of Sussex has reportedly offered to share his official schedule of engagements with his family, a move seen as an attempt to de-escalate tensions with his father, King Charles.
This comes as the King is reportedly battling an undisclosed form of cancer. Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex declined to comment.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich, while acknowledging the gesture, expressed skepticism about its impact on the royal family. She described the King as “cautious and wary” of further leaks, particularly concerning private family gatherings. Fordwich also pointed to Prince William’s reported distrust, with his camp viewing reconciliation as a “grave mistake” that could lead to further turmoil.
The proposed schedule sharing aims to increase transparency and avoid conflicts between the Sussexes’ public appearances and royal family engagements. It also seeks to dispel rumors that the Sussexes are attempting to overshadow the royal family.
A recent example cited was Harry’s visit to Angola, honoring his late mother Princess Diana, which coincided with Queen Camilla’s 78th birthday. Sharing his diary could also pave the way for a face-to-face meeting between Harry and his father.
The two last met briefly in February following the King’s cancer diagnosis.
However, not all royal experts share Fordwich’s pessimism. Richard Fitzwilliams views the move as a “gesture of goodwill” and a “practical move” that will likely be appreciated by the royal family. Ian Pelham Turner echoed this sentiment, calling it a “significant departure” for Harry and a positive step towards a peaceful resolution.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and relocated to California. Subsequent interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” further strained relations with the royal family, particularly with Queen Camilla and Prince William. Harry has publicly expressed his desire for reconciliation, stating his wish for a relationship with his father.
Recent reports indicate Harry’s aides met with the King’s communications secretary in London, a meeting described by some insiders as a “good first step.” While Prince William and Princess Kate were reportedly not involved in the meeting, there is hope that dialogue will continue.
Fordwich, however, remains unconvinced, emphasizing the need for Harry to demonstrate consistent respect for royal protocol and privacy over an extended period to rebuild trust. She also downplayed the significance of the calendar gesture, stating the royal family already coordinates schedules with various governments.
She believes the onus is on Harry to work around the royal family’s schedule, not the other way around.