Duke of Sussex awaits green light amid deepening royal tensions
Prince Harry’s upcoming visit to the UK may not unfold as he hopes, with royal insiders claiming the Duke remains shut out from direct access to his father, King Charles III.
Despite secret talks held between Harry’s senior aides and one of the King’s top advisors last week, the path to reconciliation remains blocked. The Duke of Sussex is reportedly eager to reconnect with the monarch ahead of his return for the WellChild Awards in September — but any progress appears to hinge on gaining an audience with the King himself.
Royal commentator Tom Bower believes such a meeting is unlikely. “Harry needs a conversation with Charles to demonstrate he’s still part of the Royal Family and to re-establish his standing in Britain,” Bower told The Mirror. “But without access to the King, he can’t even begin that process.”
According to Bower, senior palace aides are deeply distrustful of Harry, fearing that he would use any meeting with his father as leverage to boost his public image. This mistrust reportedly contributes to the ongoing refusal to grant him even a phone call with the monarch.
To complicate matters further, Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to be at Balmoral Castle for their annual summer retreat during Harry’s time in the UK. Bower cast doubt on the possibility of an invitation to Balmoral, saying, “If a meeting does happen, it will be behind closed doors — but the odds are slim.”
The root of the hesitation lies in the royal household’s priorities. “They’re focused on the King’s health and Prince William’s future. Harry’s issues are seen as a distraction,” Bower added.
As Harry prepares for his September return, his standing within the Firm — and his ability to reunite with family — remains uncertain, further underscoring the deep divisions that have taken hold in recent years.
