King Charles is set to deliberately avoid a meeting with his son, Prince Harry, when the Duke of Sussex returns to the United Kingdom in the coming weeks, royal sources have indicated.
The Legal Reason for the Distance
The Duke is scheduled to travel to London for the commencement of legal proceedings against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail. The High Court trial is due to begin on January 19, though the final timetable is still being confirmed.
According to sources speaking to The Telegraph, the King has a clear strategic reason for keeping his distance. He does not wish to be associated in any way with the ongoing court proceedings, leading him to give his son a wide berth on this occasion.
A Contrast to the Last Visit
This planned absence marks a stark contrast to Prince Harry's last visit to the UK in September. During that trip, the father and son enjoyed a long-awaited reunion, meeting face-to-face for the first time in 19 months over afternoon tea. Harry later described his father as 'great'.
This time, however, the King is expected to be at his traditional post-Christmas residence, Balmoral in Scotland, around the time of Harry's court appearance, further ensuring their paths do not cross.
Security Concerns and Legal Battles
The relationship has been strained by Harry's legal battles, particularly concerning his security arrangements in the UK. In May, Harry claimed in a BBC interview that his father would not speak to him because of his fight with the Home Office over security, expressing uncertainty over 'how much longer' his father had as he hoped for reconciliation.
However, in a significant development, the Home Office has reportedly ordered a full new threat assessment for the Duke, the first since 2020. Sources suggest this likely paves the way for his taxpayer-funded armed security to be reinstated during UK visits. A source close to the Sussexes stated, 'It’s now a formality. Sources at the Home Office have indicated that security is now nailed-on for Harry.'
Harry has previously argued that the security situation made it 'impossible' to safely bring his wife, Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK. These concerns were highlighted after a 'known' stalker came within yards of him during his September visit.
A government spokesman reiterated standard policy, stating: 'The UK Government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security.'
A spokesman for the Sussexes declined to comment on the matter.
