Prince Harry may be preparing for a possible return to the UK, but one major obstacle could complicate the visit: Prince William.
The Duke of Sussex is said to be working through the details of an upcoming trip, with reports suggesting he has been offered the chance to stay at a royal residence. However, several key arrangements are still believed to be unresolved.
Harry’s main motivation for the visit is reportedly his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The two have had limited time with their grandfather, King Charles, who has been undergoing cancer treatment.
Royal historian and author Andrew Lownie believes the King may use the opportunity to push for a meeting between both of his sons.
Speaking to The Mirror, Lownie said there appears to be a genuine desire for reconciliation within the family.
“I think that’s genuine reconciliation,” he said. “I think there’s a genuine personal desire to see your grandchildren and no one wants to fall out with their children. So I think that’s a genuine human element there.”
However, Lownie also suggested that King Charles may be thinking about the wider image of the monarchy.
“I think also the King thinks that having an estranged royal is not good for the optics,” he added.
That, according to Lownie, means Charles may also have to deal with William, who is said to remain firmly opposed to rebuilding ties with Harry.
The expert claimed that William “clearly is adamant that they have nothing to do with Harry,” which could make any attempt at reconciliation far more difficult.
Still, Lownie believes Charles may try to take control of the situation.
“It’s a matter of banging some heads together and saying, ‘Look, we’re going to be a bit more grown up about this,’” he said. “So this is him exerting his authority a bit more. But I think there’s just a huge human desire to reconcile.”
For Harry, the trip could be about reconnecting his children with their grandfather. But if William remains unwilling to engage, the Prince of Wales may prove to be the biggest challenge standing in the way.
