08 March 2024 , 10:10
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Prince Harry made efforts to reconcile with Prince William before his fleeting visit to the UK to see cancer-stricken King Charles, according to insiders.
The Duke of Sussex reached out to make amends with his estranged older brother in light of the news of their father’s illness, a palace source has said. 39-year-old Harry reportedly wants to patch things up and contacted the Prince of Wales before flying to London last month to see Charles.
The relationship between the royal siblings has been pretty rocky since Harry left the UK and quit his royal duties in 2020. Tensions only rose after the release of Harry’s bombshell memoir Spare in which he made numerous claims about several members of the Firm, including the Prince and Princess of Wales. And Harry and Meghan Markle’s explosive Netflix series only added fuel to the fire.
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Harry is reportedly trying to make amends with his big brotherOn Thursday, a palace source told People that despite Harry reaching out to William, there were still “no plans” for the siblings to meet up in person. They said: “It would be the normal run of things to go and see your sister-in-law who’s had a serious operation and also see your niece and nephews,” in reference to the Princess of Wales’s ongoing recovery from abdominal surgery. They added: “But it isn’t normal. It’s terribly sad.”
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Royal expert Robert Lacey has revealed that the drama originates from a profound lack of trust. He explained: “This is all to do with William’s wish to protect the institution of the monarchy, which he feels Harry can’t be trusted with.” Lacey added that William was unlikely to forgive his brother and welcome him back into the Royal Family unless he “clearly apologises”.
While things remain frosty between the feuding siblings, Harry and Charles’ broken relationship could be on the mend. Last month, the Duke said he believed that his father’s illness could open the door to reconciliation. Speaking to Good Morning America, he said: “I think any illness, any sickness brings families together.” He also revealed that he has more trips to the UK planned and added: “I’ll stop in and see my family as much as I can.”
Could Charles' illness see the once-close siblings reconcile their relationship? (Getty Images)According to reports, King Charles would be “much happier” if his two sons reconciled - but remains realistic about the prospects of that happening. Royal commentator Ingrid Seward said: “He would like Harry to be the prodigal son and come back and would be much happier if William and Harry were friends again,” before adding: “But he realises that is just not about to happen.”
The Mirror reached out to representatives for Prince Harry and Prince William for comment on this story.