Prince Charles and Prince Harry attending a Christmas church service on December 25, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
Echoing this sentiment, Kristina Kyriacou, the King’s former press secretary, reflected on the deep bond between King Charles III and Harry. She pointed out that the King adored his son and never wanted the distance between them to get this far.
Prince Charles and Prince Harry during a polo match on July 12, 2003 in Tidworth, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry hosts the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draws in London in 2020 | Source: Getty Images
But Kyriacou is optimistic that this unfortunate circumstance will result in a heartwarming reunion, not just between father and son, but among the wider royal family. “If out of bad news, some good news comes and Harry and the King and the Queen and his brother are reunited – how wonderful,” she reiterated.
Prince Harry and Camilla in Hungerford, England in 2008 | Source: Getty Images
According to reports, Harry’s interaction with King Charles and Camilla was brief, lasting only about 45 minutes. During this time, he did not have the opportunity to meet with his brother William or his sister-in-law Kate, who is reportedly also recovering from abdominal surgery.
King Charles, Prince William, Catherine, Meghan, and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service on December 25, 2018 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry and King Charles III in London in 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Furthermore, it was disclosed by a source that Harry had specifically requested for Camilla to not be in the room during his discussion with his father regarding the King’s cancer diagnosis. This request was seen as a missed opportunity to extend an olive branch.
Prince Charles presents his son Prince Harry with his flying wings at Prince Harry’s pilot course graduation at the Army Aviation Centre on May 7, 2010 in Andover, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry and King Charles III in London in 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Judging by the brief time he spent with his father and stepmother, without even seeing his brother, royal experts believe there is still a long way to go before his relationship with the Royal Family can be mended. Harry was only in England for 24 hours before taking the next flight back to California.
Queen Camilla at Clarence House in London in 2024 | Source: Getty images
In his tell-all memoir, Harry opened up about his rocky relationship with Camilla. He said meeting Camilla was like an injection, “Close your eyes, over before you know it.” he wrote. Even though the memory was fuzzy, he was sure neither cared about the other’s opinion of them.“She wasn’t my mother and I wasn’t her biggest hurdle,” added Harry.
Queen Camilla at Clarence House in London in 2024 | Source: Getty images
The Duke of Sussex admitted that he and William never wanted their father to marry the Queen Consort. Harry explained that taking the next step seemed unnecessary since they were already together.
Prince Harry in Whistler, Canada in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
William and Harry emphasized how much they would support Camilla. “We support you, we said. We endorse Camilla. Just please don’t marry her. Just be with her, Pa,” Harry recalled. But the King wanted her to become an official part of the Royal Family.
King Charles III during his coronation ceremony on May 06, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Queen Camilla at the “Celebration Of Shakespeare” in London in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
When Camilla joined the royal family, it caused some trouble, mainly because of her past. She had the pressure to rehabilitate her reputation because she was the “other woman.” “She was the villain. She was the third person in the marriage,” said the Duke of Sussex. Therefore, Harry saw her actions to fit in and aim for the crown as risky.
Prince Harry in Vancouver in 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Harry remarked that the effort to fix her reputation in the royal family made Camilla “dangerous” because she was close to the media, which could lead to private family matters being exposed and potentially taint their image in the Royal Family.
Prince Harry in Austin, Texas in 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Therefore, Harry believed that he was among the family members who faced potential jeopardy. In his memoir, he detailed instances where his stepmother, allegedly shared information from their confidential meetings.
King Charles and Prince Harry attend the “Our Planet” premiere on April 04, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, he disclosed that Camilla and King Charles III had reservations about the widespread attention William and Kate received, feeling it overshadowed their own collaborative projects. Further complicating the dynamics of their relationship, it was revealed that Camilla had converted Harry’s previous bedroom into her dressing room.
Following, Harry’s memoir and interviews where he opened up about his relationship, with Camilla, sources close to her, indicated that she was “hurt” by how she was portrayed in Harry’s book. However, she learning to find her voice and get comfortable in her new role as the Queen Consort.
Prince William, Prince Harry, and King Charles attend the “Our Planet” premiere on April 04, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Prince William and Prince Harry at the Queen’s funeral in 2023 | Source: Getty Images