Palace keeping close watch as Duke of Sussex signals return
King Charles may have welcomed Harry with warmth, but his response remains cautious as he weighs his son’s plans for the future.
The Duke of Sussex has made clear his wish to bring his children to Britain, despite losing his security case against the Home Office earlier this year. Speaking after his meeting with his father at Clarence House on 10 September, Harry said the chance of Archie and Lilibet visiting the UK now feels “closer.”
Harry has also signalled his intent to continue his charitable work in Britain, which those who know him say brings him the greatest fulfilment. A colleague who has worked with him for over a decade told The Telegraph that Harry is “at his happiest” when involved in these projects. He himself admitted that it is hard to carry out the work “from so far away,” hinting at more frequent trips home.
Even so, palace aides remain wary. Courtiers are said to be monitoring his next moves closely, especially how he chooses to address the press on matters linked to the royal family. “It’s a test,” one insider warned, stressing that Harry must prove himself trustworthy to both his father and the wider institution.
Talks have already taken place between the Sussex team and the King’s communications secretary, with Harry offering to share his schedule to avoid clashes with royal events. No formal arrangement has been agreed.
Meanwhile, Harry’s silence during the US State visit did not go unnoticed. A source described it as a mark of “respect for his dad.” The King, for his part, reportedly sees “no conflict” between his son’s projects and official royal duties, though that view may be tested as Harry moves forward.
