Prince Harry reportedly reached out for reconciliation in recent trip to UK
According to a palace source, Prince Harry contacted Prince William before his arrival and expressed his desire to meet and talk. However, Prince William was reluctant to engage with his brother, citing the need to focus on his father's health and his wife, Kate Middleton, who is recovering from abdominal surgery.
"William is still very hurt by Harry's actions and words over the past few years. He feels that Harry has betrayed the family and the monarchy, and he doesn't trust him anymore. He is also very protective of Kate, who has been through a lot lately. He doesn't want to expose her to any more stress or drama," the source said.
Prince Harry's visit to the UK was his first since the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, last year. He attended the WellChild Awards in London on Thursday, where he met with children and families who have been supported by the charity. He also visited his father at Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where he spent about an hour with him.
King Charles, 75, announced in January that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and that he would undergo treatment. He has since postponed all public engagements and delegated some of his duties to his sons and other senior royals. He is said to be in good spirits and optimistic about his recovery.
Prince Harry's relationship with his brother and father has been strained since he and his wife, Meghan Markle, decided to step back as senior royals in 2020 and move to the US. The couple has since given several interviews and released a memoir and a Netflix docuseries, in which they have criticized the royal family and the institution of the monarchy.
The rift between the brothers was evident at the funeral of their grandfather, Prince Philip, in April last year, where they barely spoke to each other. They also had a tense reunion at the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, in July, where they issued a joint statement but did not appear to have any meaningful conversation.
Royal experts have said that the chances of a reconciliation between the brothers are slim, unless Prince Harry apologizes and changes his attitude. They have also said that King Charles is unlikely to intervene, as he respects his sons' autonomy and does not want to interfere in their personal matters.
"Charles loves both his sons and wants them to be happy. But he also realizes that they are grown men who have to make their own decisions and deal with the consequences. He hopes that they will eventually find a way to heal their wounds and restore their bond, but he is not going to force them to do anything they don't want to do," royal biographer Ingrid Seward said.
.
