The relationship between King Charles III and his son, Prince Harry, along with Meghan Markle, has been fraught with tension and public scrutiny. Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their roles as working royals and moved to California, their candid revelations about life within the royal household have added strain to familial ties. This complex dynamic has been laid bare through multiple media outlets, including a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, a six-part Netflix documentary series, and Prince Harry's bestselling memoir, Spare.
In these narratives, Harry and Meghan have detailed numerous grievances and challenges they faced as working royals. Their allegations about the royal family's behavior have reportedly left King Charles feeling "hurt" and "exasperated," according to royal expert Robert Hardman. In his book, Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, Hardman reveals that while the King is deeply saddened by the ongoing rift, he feels compelled to move forward with his duties as monarch.
"Of course, the King is extremely sad about Harry and Meghan, but there is a sense of exasperation," Hardman quotes an inside source. "He has done what he can, and now he is King, there are many more things to think about. He has tried listening. Now he just says: 'I don't want to know what the problem is. I'm just getting on with my life.'"
The tension within the royal family became more pronounced when Harry returned to the UK for his father's coronation in 2023. Despite this significant event, Harry did not meet with his brother, Prince William. The strained relations were further highlighted when Harry rushed back to the UK upon learning of his father's cancer diagnosis earlier this year. In an interview with Good Morning America, Harry expressed his gratitude for the time spent with his father during this period. "I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could," Harry said. "Look, I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I'm grateful for that."
However, despite these moments of connection, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. Sources close to the royal family indicate that King Charles is keen to see his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Yet, Prince William's trust in Harry appears to be irreparably damaged. The Prince of Wales has reportedly urged King Charles to distance himself from the drama surrounding the Sussexes.
The ongoing discord is a significant point of concern for the monarch, who, according to Hardman, is determined to prioritize his responsibilities as King while managing personal heartache. The public revelations and continued actions of Harry and Meghan seemingly contradict Harry's professed love and gratitude for his family. This inconsistency exacerbates the royal family's difficulties in reconciling and moving past the controversies.
Hardman's insights suggest a royal family grappling with the complexities of public image, personal grievances, and the demands of duty. King Charles's approach, characterized by a reluctant acceptance of the situation, underscores the challenges of balancing familial love with the responsibilities of the crown.
As King Charles navigates these turbulent waters, the broader implications for the monarchy remain uncertain. The King's efforts to "get on with life" reflect a pragmatic approach to his role, yet the emotional toll of the family feud is undeniable. The future of the royal family's unity, particularly between the brothers, hinges on a delicate balance of reconciliation and respect for each other's chosen paths.