King Charles is said to be hoping Prince Harry's return to the UK could eventually bring his two sons back together after years of tension within the Royal Family. The Duke of Sussex, 41, is preparing to spend an extended period in Britain with Meghan Markle, 45, and their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
Private Home in the UK
The family is expected to establish a private home in the UK while keeping their residence in Montecito, California. The move means Harry will be much closer to his father, as well as his estranged brother Prince William.
A source close to the royal household told PEOPLE that the King hopes having both sons in the same country could eventually pave the way for a reconciliation.
Improving Relationship with Harry
"He will want to see his sons together over time," the source said. "This is the best opportunity we have seen in recent years."
Charles, 77, has seen his own relationship with Harry improve in recent months. The pair reportedly met privately at Highgrove in July, when the King was also reunited with Archie and Lilibet for the first time in more than four years.
"That was a real positive," an ally said. Another source added: "The King would love to have Harry around."
Sticking Points Remain
Charles has previously made his feelings about the feud between his sons clear. In Harry's memoir Spare, the Duke recalled his father pleading with the brothers following Prince Philip's funeral in 2021: "Please, boys, don't make my final years a misery."
However, any hopes of William and Harry repairing their relationship appear to be some way off. Sources told PEOPLE that the brothers remain in "no contact", with William yet to show any indication that he is ready to reconcile. Years of public claims made by Harry and Meghan following their departure from royal duties are said to remain a major sticking point.
"It is going to be challenging for William. It will be very hard for him and Catherine," a royal source said. "There is a deep sense of betrayal." The source suggested that any improvement in relations "will be a slow build".
Family Dynamic Could Change
Harry's move could nevertheless change the family dynamic simply by removing the physical distance that has existed since the Sussexes moved to North America in 2020. Archie and Lilibet currently have no relationship with William and Kate's children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
With Harry and his family back in Britain, Charles will have both of his sons and all five grandchildren living in the same country. Whether that is enough to help repair the relationship between William and Harry remains uncertain. "In time," one source said, "there is a chance it will all heal."
