Prince Harry's latest BBC interview has drawn sharp criticism from mental health professionals and palace insiders after the Duke of Sussex raised concerns over King Charles' health and expressed frustration over ongoing disputes related to his security status in the U.K. The comments, made just days after Harry lost his legal appeal to reinstate his publicly funded police protection, are being interpreted as a renewed blow to already strained relations within the royal family.
In the May 2 broadcast, Harry told the BBC: "I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious. I don't know how much longer my father has. He won't speak to me because of this security stuff, but it would be nice to reconcile."
The remarks came shortly after the Court of Appeal dismissed Harry's challenge to a decision that reduced his security following his and Meghan Markle's 2020 departure from royal duties. Harry insisted during the interview that King Charles "won't speak to me because of this security stuff," and suggested, "There is a lot of control and ability in my father's hands. Ultimately, this whole thing could be resolved through him. Not necessarily by intervening, but by stepping aside, allowing the experts to do what is necessary."
Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Raj Persaud, who reviewed the interview, warned that the Duke appeared to be "psychologically stuck." Speaking to the Express, Persaud said, "He appeared psychologically stuck, so convinced of the logic and morality of his position that he couldn't seem to grasp that, even if he is right, he is still not getting what he wants."
Persaud added, "With other avenues of communication apparently cut off - he claimed the King will not take his calls - this was quite possibly a bid to garner attention on the public stage in a manner they simply cannot ignore, quite possibly a form of emotional blackmail."
The psychiatrist argued that Harry's media tactics, especially following a court loss, seemed "like a hasty, ill-thought-out tactic" and cautioned that "throwing fresh grenades" would only further delay any chance of reconciliation. "He appears to be in difficulty and, I would suggest respectfully, needs help to move on and really start a process of rapprochement with his family," Persaud said.
Royal insiders were reportedly taken aback by Harry's comments, particularly the references to his father's health. One source told ITV News, "For a son who claims to want a family reconciliation, it's certainly a very curious way to build bridges or offer olive branches. His beloved grandmother would have been truly horrified."
Another royal aide speaking to the Sunday Telegraph said, "There is nothing that can be trusted to remain private. As for there being no contact, well, he has just proven why, yet again."
Psychotherapist and relationship coach Lucy Beresford also weighed in, interpreting Harry's repeated public appeals as a manifestation of unresolved trauma. She told The Mirror, "It's more about trying to remind people he still exists. It's like he is saying 'don't forget me.'" She added that his fixation on security matters may stem from fears rooted in the death of his mother, Princess Diana, suggesting that Harry is haunted by the possibility that "history will repeat itself."
