Prince Harry could face 'game over' in his attempts to heal his royal rift if the King makes a crunch decision when he returns to the UK, an expert has claimed.
It emerged earlier this week that Harry is expected to bring wife, Meghan as well as their two children, Prince Archie and Prince Lilibet, for a visit to Britain in just a few weeks. It is claimed all four Sussexes will travel from California to attend celebrations marking the one-year countdown to next year's Invictus Games in Birmingham.
It would be the first time in four years that Meghan and the children have spent time in Harry's homeland after last visiting for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Security assurances and family reunion hopes
Harry previously expressed his hopes of bringing his children from the US, but had insisted it was too dangerous amid his legal fight over his UK security. But the duke has reportedly been assured that adequate security provisions will be in place for the trip.
Now, attention is turning to whether he will meet up with his father, the King, whom he last saw in September, while he is in the UK. Charles has only seen his grandson Archie, seven, a handful of times, and met four-year-old Lilibet only once.
Royal expert's analysis
Royal expert Jennie Bond told the Mirror that news Harry is reportedly coming with his family is a shock - and having a meeting with the King will prove pivotal in potentially mending family relations.
The former BBC royal correspondent explained: “First of all, as far as we know, Harry's security arrangements are still being discussed – unless he's already been told the result of his appeal.”
“And secondly, I didn't think Meghan would ever willingly set foot in the UK again. But I'm sure she does want her children to know and understand their heritage – which is something Harry has already said publicly. So we have to assume that he's been given some sort of guarantee that he and his family will have the level of security he wants.”
Trust issues and reconciliation
“Another massive issue is trust. Both Harry and Meghan have squandered the trust of senior members of the royal family. His book and their Netflix documentary series invaded the privacy of the King, the Queen and William and Catherine. And I think the Sussexes are still on very shaky ground when it comes to trust.”
“However, Harry has spoken publicly about his wish to be reconciled with his family. It has finally dawned on him that 'life is precious'. And I'm sure he must understand that he needs to win back his family's trust by keeping private matters private.”
“As Charles nudges towards 80, it is undoubtedly the most enormous sadness for him not to know his two youngest grandchildren. And if there is one thing that should melt hearts and build bridges between warring relatives, it is little, innocent children.”
“So, if Harry, Meghan and the children do come and the King finds some excuse not to meet them, it's game over. The rift will surely be permanent.”
“I think Harry must already have been given some assurance that a meeting will take place, otherwise it would seem the ultimate humiliation. And I believe Meghan will be included in that meeting – Harry surely wouldn't settle for anything less.”
Brotherly feud and delicate balance
But even if a meeting between the Sussexes and the King is on the cards, Jennie doesn't believe the same can be said for Harry and older brother Prince William, whose feud seems much more bitter, which could prove a sticking point for Charles.
She explained: “It is, though, going to be a delicate balancing act for the King. If he makes peace with his youngest son, his loyal and steadfast older son will have his nose royally put out of joint. There is absolutely no sign of any thaw in the brotherly feud.”
“But we should never say never. Things can change — and perhaps William might one day come round to his brother's view that 'there's no point in continuing to fight any more'.”
“As for Meghan, she has quietly passed through the transit areas of London airports on several occasions in recent years, but has not set foot in the UK proper. I think she will be quite brave to do so because opinion polls suggest that she is the most unpopular member of the royal family bar one – and that's Andrew Mountbatten Windsor.”
“But I'm sure she would be shielded from any hostile crowds – and it should be said that she does have vocal supporters in the UK as well. Certainly, within the Invictus community – and they are coming to mark the one-year countdown to the games in Birmingham – Meghan is still a star and will get a huge welcome.”
