To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, the Duke embarked on a three-day journey to the United Kingdom recently.
However, during his stay, he did not have the opportunity to reunite with any of his family members.
Speculations suggest that the Duke had expressed a desire to meet with the King, but unfortunately, the monarch’s busy schedule prevented this encounter from taking place, as per sources close to him.
Contrary to reports circulating, palace insiders have revealed that the Prince did not formally request a meeting with the King.
Despite the King’s purported wish for a respite from the chaos in his later years, there are whispers that Prince Harry remains determined to regain his father’s approval.
The hectic agenda of the King while the Duke of Sussex was in London is believed to have been the primary factor leading to the missed opportunity for a meeting.
Renowned royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams has long pondered over the possibility that the King might have chosen to avoid meeting his youngest son for reasons beyond just scheduling conflicts.
Following their most recent interaction, Fitzwilliams conveyed his belief that the Queen was displeased with the Duke’s actions.
He suggested that the King’s reluctance to meet with Prince Harry could be linked to his disapproval of the Duke’s interview on Good Morning America, where he discussed family unity following his father’s health revelation.
Expressing his thoughts, Fitzwilliams remarked that he is confident the King would have met with his son if the Duke had made a private visit to the UK and arranged a meeting in advance.
While acknowledging the enduring place the Duke holds in the King’s heart, another source emphasized that the monarch currently prioritizes maintaining peace and stability over potential familial discord during his reign.
According to insider insights shared with the Mirror, it is believed that the King is giving the Duke space to mature and evolve, especially given the tumultuous nature of recent events involving Prince Harry.
The source highlighted the King’s preference for tranquility and avoidance of conflicts, suggesting that he simply wishes to spend his remaining years in peace.
Despite the uncertainty shrouding the future of the Duke of Sussex’s relationship with his father, many royal observers are skeptical about the possibility of reconciliation between the Duke and the future monarch.
Noted royal analyst Jenny Bond went as far as to suggest that the Prince of Wales has distanced himself from his brother and effectively cut ties with him, citing the Prince’s overwhelming personal challenges as a significant factor in this estrangement.
Bond speculated that the Prince of Wales, preoccupied with his wife’s health battles, his father’s declining health, his professional responsibilities, and his children, may lack the emotional bandwidth to engage in resolving his strained relationship with his brother.