On 2 May, Prince Harry expressed hope for mending his relationship with the royal family. However, he claimed King Charles has not spoken to him due to a long-running disagreement over his security arrangements.
He also raised concerns about his father’s health, saying he is unsure how much time the King may have left. His remarks came shortly after losing a legal challenge against the UK government, which upheld the decision to end his police protection while in the country.
Speaking to the BBC, Harry said he no longer believed he could return to live in the UK with his wife and children.
“I would love reconciliation with my family,” he stated. “Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has. He won’t speak to me because of this security issue, but it would be good to reconcile.”
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry has lived in California with Meghan and their two children. During that time, the couple have criticised the royal institution in interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir Spare.
As a result, his relationships with King Charles and Prince William remain distant.
Security dispute and legal setback
In 2023, Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles had received a cancer diagnosis. While officials say treatment is progressing well, the news added to the tension surrounding the family.
The Palace did not address Harry’s comments about reconciliation. However, a spokesperson explained that the courts had reviewed the security matter several times and consistently supported the Home Office’s decision.
The dispute stems from a 2020 ruling that removed Harry’s entitlement to automatic police protection in the UK. He challenged the decision in court but did not succeed.
“We thought it was going to go our way, so I’m pretty gutted,” he admitted.
A difficult path ahead for Prince Harry and King Charles
Harry believes some family members will never forgive him for publishing his book. He also said he may never feel safe enough to bring his children, Archie and Lilibet, back to Britain.
In the interview, he argued that the situation could be resolved if King Charles allowed security experts to take over the matter, rather than leaving it under royal influence.
“I’ve heard people with all the facts say this feels like an old-fashioned establishment stitch-up,” he said. “There’s a lot of control in my father’s hands. He could resolve this just by stepping aside and letting the experts manage it.”
The Court of Appeal acknowledged that it was expected Harry would lose automatic police protection after stepping down from royal duties. The judges ruled the decision lawful, even though Harry strongly disagreed with it.
“I love my country—I always have, despite how some people there have treated me,” he said. “I miss the UK and certain parts of it deeply. It’s sad to think I may not be able to show my children the place I still consider home.”
