Prince Harry will not be welcomed back as a “half-in, half-out” member of the Royal Family, despite claims from his circle that he could “take some of the load off” Prince William.
Reaction to Meeting with King Charles
Royal insiders reacted strongly to suggestions that Harry’s recent short meeting with King Charles marked a “thawing of their relationship” and a pathway to “acceptance back into the royal fold.” The talks followed what Harry’s team considered a successful charity trip to the UK.
Sources close to the Duke hinted he may now plan to visit Britain “four or five times a year” for public events tied to his causes, and possibly in support of the Royal Family. But one insider dismissed the speculation, saying: “Whoever is behind them seems to have mistaken a brief tea and a slice of cake for the Treaty of Versailles.”
Concerns Over Division
Some close to the Palace worry that those around Harry are using what one called a “baby step” between father and son to stir tensions between the King and Prince William. Reports also resurfaced unverified claims of strain over royal workloads.
A source pushed back: “These syrupy briefings from supposed Sussex sources are precisely why the King and Royal Family are so hesitant… If the intention is to encourage rebuilding trust, they have the opposite effect. As last week’s State Visit showed, the strength of the monarchy lies in the bond between the King and the Prince of Wales, supported by other working royals.”
That visit saw King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales host US President Donald Trump and the First Lady—an event widely considered a diplomatic success.
The King’s Firm Stance
A well-placed source stressed: “The King is a forgiving man but has been absolutely clear in upholding his late mother’s decision that there cannot be ‘half-in, half-out’ members of the working Royal Family.”
Although “high-level talks” are reportedly underway to reunite Charles and Harry publicly for the first time in six years, no further commitments exist. Their last official event together was in April 2019, aside from family gatherings such as Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Questions Over Harry’s Role
Reports that Harry has his own “royal household” and “courtiers” were met with scepticism, given his past criticisms of the institution. The Mail also claimed Harry agreed to keep a low profile during President Trump’s visit as a “goodwill gesture,” though insiders doubted this.
While Harry has expressed a wish for reconciliation, insiders say expectations of him resuming duties are “woefully inflated.” One blunt response to suggestions of a public role was: “Absolutely not.”
A Personal Meeting, Not Negotiation
Those close to the Palace insist the King’s meeting with Harry was an act of personal kindness, not the beginning of negotiations. “The effort to present it as more erodes trust,” one said.
Meanwhile, a source close to Harry maintained his return to royal duties “was put to bed years ago,” stressing he is “very happy with his life in California” and will only visit Britain to support his patronages.
A spokesman added: “The Duke has made it clear that ‘the focus has to be on his dad’. Beyond that, we won’t be commenting.”
The private conversation at Clarence House earlier this month—just under an hour long—was their first one-on-one meeting in 19 months, coinciding with Harry’s efforts to improve his UK image following past criticisms of the monarchy.