The relationship between Prince Harry and King Charles III has reportedly deteriorated to a "dreadful" state, largely due to ongoing security concerns that the Duke of Sussex has about visiting the United Kingdom. According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, these issues are central to the strained relationship between father and son, with Harry increasingly reluctant to return to the UK unless he is assured of the security measures he believes are necessary for his protection.
During a recent episode of The Royal Record podcast, Fitzwilliams discussed the possibility of Prince Harry returning to the UK, particularly in light of the upcoming funeral of his uncle, Lord Fellowes. According to Fitzwilliams, security concerns have been cited as the primary reason for Harry's anticipated absence.
"He spoke recently of fearing being attacked whilst he was in the UK, and we know he's not comfortable with the level of security that he's got in the UK," Fitzwilliams noted.
The security issue has been a contentious point since 2020, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their roles as senior working royals. At that time, the couple lost their automatic right to taxpayer-funded police protection, a decision that Harry has vehemently opposed. He has since taken legal action against the UK Home Office, challenging the decision to downgrade his security when visiting the country. Despite his efforts, a High Court ruling dismissed his challenge earlier this year, though Harry has been granted permission to appeal.
Fitzwilliams highlighted the irony in Harry's stance on UK security, pointing out that the Duke has visited countries like Nigeria and Colombia, where security concerns are arguably higher. "It appears hypocritical when you look at, say, security in Nigeria, even if it was arranged by the defense minister, or the security in Colombia, even if the vice president is arranging it," Fitzwilliams said.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Fitzwilliams suggested that recent civil unrest in the UK may have intensified Harry's concerns about his safety. "I suspect that his view of security fears will have been heightened by the recent riots here," he remarked.
A significant factor in the ongoing rift between Harry and King Charles, according to Fitzwilliams, is Harry's belief that his father has the power to override the decisions made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which determines the level of security for members of the royal family.
"He believes that King Charles has the power to reinstate their police protection," Fitzwilliams explained. This belief, coupled with Harry's deep-seated fears stemming from the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, has only widened the chasm between the two.
During his most recent visit to the UK, Harry reportedly declined an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace, choosing instead to stay at a hotel-a decision that Fitzwilliams found puzzling, especially given Harry's concerns about security. "When he was last here, not only did he not see his father, but also reportedly was offered a room in the Palace and chose a hotel," Fitzwilliams said, adding that it underscores the depth of Harry's mistrust and fear.
Fitzwilliams also speculated on the potential implications of resolving the security dispute. "It would at least be a gesture so far as the British establishment is concerned if he was given the security that he feels he ought to have," he said. Such a gesture might encourage Harry to visit the UK more frequently and possibly even bring Meghan Markle and their children, though Fitzwilliams acknowledged that Meghan's unpopularity in Britain could complicate matters.
