Prince Harry’s latest visit to the UK has reignited debate over his relationship with King Charles, with some royal commentators questioning whether the monarch’s emotions could influence how he handles the situation.
Royal biographer Robert Jobson suggested the King may be torn between his responsibilities as monarch and his feelings as a father and grandfather. Speaking to Royalist host Tom Sykes, Jobson said Charles could be influenced by his desire to rebuild ties with Harry and spend time with his grandchildren.
“I think that he’s been blinded by a father’s love of the son,” Jobson said. “I think he’s impacted by the fact that he’s living with cancer, without doubt. And the emotion is there to see his grandchildren.”
The reported family visit was particularly significant because Princess Lilibet had not seen her grandfather since she was an infant, while Prince Archie had last visited when he was still very young.
Harry has previously said concerns over security have made it difficult for him to bring his family to the UK. Meghan Markle’s last widely reported visit with him was during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Jobson argued that the King should remain cautious about Harry’s intentions, claiming the Duke of Sussex may now be seeking renewed access to the royal family because of the value it could bring to his public profile.
“I think that the King has got to wise up,” he said, before alleging that Harry was “sucking up to his father again” because he needed money, publicity and stronger connections to the royal brand.
The commentator described the situation as potentially dangerous for the monarchy and urged Charles to remember that he is not acting only as a father or grandfather.
“His father has to realize he’s not just Pa, he’s not just grandpa, he is the King,” Jobson said. “And he is there as a guardian and also a steward to the Crown for his other son, Prince William, who is the heir to the throne.”
Jobson also claimed that many members of the British public remain unhappy with Harry because of his past criticism of the royal family and his commercial projects discussing royal life.
According to the commentator, any gradual attempt to bring Harry back into the royal fold may face resistance from people who believe he has damaged the monarchy while also benefiting financially from his royal connections.
Neither Prince Harry nor Buckingham Palace has publicly responded to Jobson’s claims.
