King Charles holds talks with William as the royal family remains divided over reconciliation
King Charles has held a private meeting with Prince William as both continue to distance themselves from the Duke of Sussex, despite his ongoing pleas for reconciliation. Though Harry has expressed a desire to heal the family rift, both the King and William are said to remain deeply hurt by what they view as his betrayal.
Sources claim William has firmly shut the door on his brother’s return, even if Charles quietly hopes to reconnect with his “darling boy”.
The current estrangement is in sharp contrast to the past, when the two brothers shared a close relationship. As detailed in Robert Lacey’s Battle of Brothers, William struggled with the separation when he began at St Andrews University in 2001.
According to Colleen Harris, then press secretary to Charles, William was “really nervous” on arrival, overwhelmed by constant media attention.
“All the press were there – cameras from all over the world – and it suddenly hit him. He was very unsteady for a while after that,” Harris recalled.
A distressing incident involving a fan and the isolating winter weather only added to his difficulties. William, feeling lonely and under pressure, missed Harry and considered transferring to another university.
“I don’t think I was homesick. I was more daunted,” William later said. “My father was very understanding... We chatted a lot and in the end we both realised—I definitely realised—that I had to come back.”
Now, however, that emotional support seems absent. Earlier this month, Harry revealed during a BBC interview that the King is no longer speaking to him due to their legal dispute over personal security.
“I would love reconciliation with my family,” Harry said. “There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.”
Despite his statement, royal expert Hilary Fordwich believes reconciliation is “extremely unlikely”, arguing that Harry “destroyed any trust” by making private matters public.
Still, a faint possibility remains. If Charles chooses to rebuild his relationship with Harry, he may yet find a way to bring his sons back together. But for now, the divide appears as wide as ever.
