Royal expert says the Duke of Sussex must prove he can be trusted
Prince Harry is back in the UK for the 2025 WellChild Awards, set to take place today, September 8, with a visit to Nottingham also on his schedule. But beyond his public duties, attention is fixed on whether he will reunite with King Charles during this trip.
Royal commentators believe such a meeting could offer Harry a chance to take a crucial step towards repairing his fractured relationship with the King. The return comes after months of speculation and behind-the-scenes talks between palace aides and the Sussex team aimed at laying the groundwork for peace.
According to royal biographer Tom Bower, the biggest obstacle Harry faces is convincing his father that past grievances are behind him. “The hurdle Harry is facing is huge, to somehow persuade his father that what he did is in the past,” Bower explained.
However, the expert doubts Harry will offer the one gesture that could matter most. “I think he will be too stubborn to apologise, because that’s not what he believes. He thinks he has behaved correctly. He simply doesn’t realise the consequences of what he has done.”
Bower also noted that trust remains the central issue for the monarch. “The King will ask himself, ‘Can I trust my son?’” he said.
From Harry’s perspective, the goal is clear: rebuild his father’s confidence and secure a path back into Britain. Yet, even if a private meeting does take place, experts caution that a full reconciliation is still a long way off.
