Author Ingrid Seward details the monarch's upbringing and relationship with Queen Elizabeth II in her new book, shedding light on Charles' sentiments regarding his youngest son, Prince Harry.
In the aftermath of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back from their senior royal duties in 2020, their relationship with the rest of the royal family has come under intense scrutiny. Now, a new book by royal biographer Ingrid Seward has shed light on the depth of King Charles' regret about certain aspects of Harry's upbringing.
Seward's book, "My Mother and I," delves into the monarch's formative years and his complex relationship with his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Amidst the intimate details, the author reveals Charles' lingering concerns about Harry's path and the choices that led to his departure from royal life.
Sources close to Charles have indicated that the king deeply regrets not spending more time with Harry and his older brother, Prince William, during their childhood. As a young prince, Charles was often preoccupied with his royal duties, which left him with limited time to engage with his sons. This regret has reportedly grown stronger in recent years, as Charles has witnessed the fallout from Harry's estrangement from the family.
Seward's book also suggests that Charles may have underestimated the impact of the paparazzi's relentless pursuit of Harry and William on their mental well-being. The constant scrutiny and intrusive behavior of the media have been widely blamed for contributing to Harry's sense of disillusionment with royal life.
However, it's important to note that Charles' regret does not extend to Harry's decision to pursue a different path. The king has repeatedly expressed his love and support for his sons, regardless of their choices. He has also acknowledged the challenges that Harry has faced, including the tragic loss of his mother at a young age.
Despite their differences, Charles and Harry have made an effort to maintain a connection over the years. They have met on several occasions, including a brief encounter in London in February 2023 after Charles announced his cancer diagnosis. The king has also expressed his hope that Harry will one day return to the family full-time.
Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen. Harry and Meghan have expressed their desire for a more private life, away from the intense media scrutiny that has plagued them since their relationship became public. For now, Charles must grapple with his regret and the ongoing consequences of Harry's decision to leave the royal family.
The revelations in Seward's book provide a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the royal family and the complex dynamics that shape their relationships. As Charles continues to navigate his role as king, the weight of his past decisions will undoubtedly linger, reminding him of the challenges and missed opportunities that have marked his journey to the throne.
