Prince Harry's return to the UK has been marred by disappointments, including a snub from his father and brother, leaving analysts questioning the depth of the rift within the royal family.
Prince Harry's recent trip to the UK has brought to light the strained relationship between him and other members of the royal family. Despite arriving for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, Harry has faced a series of setbacks that have left royal observers questioning the possibility of reconciliation.
Upon landing in London, Harry was informed that he would not be able to see his father, King Charles III, due to the monarch's busy schedule. This announcement was met with disappointment and raised concerns that the distance between Harry and the royal family remained significant.
Adding to the perceived slights, Buckingham Palace announced that Harry's brother, Prince William, would be made colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps. This honor was viewed as a potential snub to Harry, who had served with the unit in Afghanistan and had been expected to receive the title himself.
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner described the news as "one slap in the face after another for Harry" and criticized the king's decision not to meet with his son. Turner argued that the decision not to forgive Harry for past actions was adding fuel to the flames of division.
On the same day as the announcement, King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed hundreds of guests to Buckingham Palace for a garden party, signaling a return to public-facing duties. Other members of the royal family, including Princess Anne and Prince Edward, were in attendance, highlighting Harry's absence from these significant events.
Christopher Andersen, author of "The King," interpreted the king's actions as a clear message to Harry that he was no longer welcome in the royal fold. Andersen believes that the decision to exclude Harry from the garden party and the announcement of William's new title were deliberate and personal.
Despite the setbacks, Harry has remained focused on the Invictus Games, which he co-founded to inspire injured military personnel. However, his personal difficulties have cast a shadow over the event, leaving observers questioning the extent of the royal family's support for the initiatives he holds dear.
Prince Harry's strained relationship with the royal family has been a source of speculation since he and his wife, Meghan Markle, left their royal duties in 2020. The couple's decision to air their grievances in a televised interview and through other public statements has widened the rift.
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich believes that the king's busy schedule and William's new role are not merely coincidences. She argues that the royal family's actions are carefully calculated and that the removal of Harry's military titles is a sign of his diminished status within the family.
Prince Harry's recent experiences have sparked questions about the possibility of a true reconciliation within the royal family. The lack of forgiveness and the ongoing tension raise concerns about the future of Harry's relationship with his father and brother.
