Additional Coverage:
- King Charles, Prince Harry’s painful feud ‘damaging’ monarch’s reign as gutted son remains furious: expert (foxnews.com)
King Charles Faces Calls for Reconciliation with Prince Harry Amid Legacy Concerns
Royal experts are urging King Charles to reconcile with his son, Prince Harry, warning that the ongoing feud could damage the monarch’s legacy. The king’s reign has been punctuated by Harry’s public airing of family grievances, creating a challenging narrative for the 76-year-old monarch, who is also battling cancer.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams notes that while the feud isn’t overshadowing Charles’s reign, the extensive publicity surrounding it is harmful. Harry’s recent interviews, in which he appeared angry and resentful, have raised concerns about potential future attacks from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The New York Times recently reported that the King often finds himself eclipsed by his estranged son’s complaints. Some royal watchers warn that unless Charles mends the rift, it could define his time as monarch, undermining his long-standing advocacy for tolerance and inclusiveness.
Another royal expert, Hilary Fordwich, describes the situation as a test of the monarchy’s resilience, as well as the King’s leadership. She commends Charles for maintaining royal protocol and a dignified public image despite the family drama, especially given his health challenges. Fordwich contrasts the King’s stoicism with what she calls Harry’s “constant moaning.”
The rift began in 2020 when Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties and moved to California, citing hostility from the press and royal establishment. Their subsequent interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” further strained family relations.
In a recent BBC interview, Harry expressed his desire to reconcile with his family, particularly in light of his father’s health. However, sources suggest King Charles has not responded to Harry’s attempts at communication. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the current state of their relationship.
While some believe the feud could significantly impact the monarchy’s future, others dismiss the idea. British broadcaster Helena Chard believes the drama will eventually fade, emphasizing that family disputes are not new to the royal family.
She argues that King Charles is not responsible for the fallout and highlights Queen Camilla’s support in prioritizing his well-being. Chard also suggests Prince William may play a role in resolving the situation, though currently, reconciliation seems unlikely.
The royal family’s future is also facing scrutiny from another angle. Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner points to the younger generation’s perception of the monarchy as outdated and costly, suggesting that public unity within the royal family is crucial for its survival.