Prince Harry returned to London on Monday, September 30, to attend the WellChild Awards, fueling speculation about a possible reconciliation with the British royal family. The Duke of Sussex's unannounced visit has drawn attention to subtle shifts in how his team addresses questions about his relations with his father, King Charles III, and brother, Prince William.
"When I have spoken to sources close to the Duke of Sussex in recent months, I have seen a noticeable shift in them not talking about family members," said Cameron Walker, royal correspondent for GB News. "In fact, when I specifically asked if he will be seeing his brother or father when he was here for his uncle's funeral, they said, 'We don't discuss family matters.'"
This change in communication mirrors the traditional approach of Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, which often refrain from commenting on personal family issues. "It suggests to me there could be some testing the waters, perhaps Harry wanting to try and mend relationships," Mr. Walker added. "But of course, the trust was so badly damaged with his memoir, Spare, and the Netflix series."
Prince Harry is not expected to meet with King Charles III during this trip, as the monarch will be in Scotland celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament on the same day as the WellChild Awards. A meeting with Prince William also appears unlikely. The brothers reportedly did not speak when they both attended the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, in August.
"I think particularly for Prince William, it's going to take a lot to reconcile with his brother," Mr. Walker noted. "Back in August, when he was here for his uncle's funeral, he did not speak to the Prince of Wales."
The strained relationships have been under intense public scrutiny, especially after the release of Prince Harry's memoir and documentary series, which included candid revelations about his experiences within the royal family. These disclosures have reportedly deepened the rift, making any potential reconciliation more complex.
"Unfortunately for Prince Harry, all the speculation and all the questions will be about whether he is meeting his father or the Prince of Wales while he is here," Mr. Walker said regarding the current trip. Isabel Webster, also of GB News, added, "This is all about trust. The feeling is, the royal family are testing him somewhat to see whether or not they can have an open relationship with him where he doesn't go and spill everything to the press."
In his life outside the United Kingdom, Prince Harry appears to be focusing on philanthropic efforts, particularly those established during his time as a working royal. "What Harry seems to be doing is focusing on philanthropy," said royal editor Richard Eden on the "Palace Confidential" podcast. "His most successful projects, the ones that resonate the most with people, are the ones that were set up when he was a working royal-so the Invictus Games, his patronage of WellChild, for example."
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is concentrating on her own ventures, including the lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and expanding her investment portfolio. "When they recorded their first podcast, it was very much them together," Mr. Eden observed. "But for whatever reason-whether it's Meghan or it's Harry-they've decided that's not the way to go."
Royal expert Charlotte Griffiths reflected on Prince Harry's earlier popularity when he was actively engaged in royal duties. "We loved him then," she said. "He was seen holding African children in his arms, opening hospitals and schools, raising millions and millions for Africa. That was 'Peak Harry,' and I think he's going through a period of reflection at the moment."
As the Duke attends the WellChild Awards, which honor the achievements and resilience of seriously ill children and their families, the possibility of a thaw in familial relations remains uncertain. While official statements are scarce, the subtle changes in communication suggest a cautious openness to reconciliation.
"It's very similar to what Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace would say as well," Mr. Walker remarked about the Duke's team's reluctance to discuss family matters. "It suggests to me there could be some testing the waters."
Whether these tentative steps will lead to a full reconciliation is yet to be seen. For now, Prince Harry continues his philanthropic work, while the royal family watches from a distance, perhaps awaiting signs that trust can be rebuilt.
