A royal insider has revealed King Charles's hopes for a closer relationship with Prince Harry, amid continued uncertainty over when the father and son will reunite in person. The Duke of Sussex is said to have spoken to his father several times since returning to the UK with Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. However, the pair have allegedly yet to meet face-to-face.
Harry and Meghan settle in Cotswolds
Prince Harry and Meghan are said to be settling into their new life in the Cotswolds after moving back to Britain from California in late August. Despite the reported phone calls between father and son, a reunion with the King has yet to take place. King Charles and Queen Camilla have been spending time in Scotland, meaning it could be some time before they see the Sussexes in person.
"Absolutely, everyone hopes that father and son can have a closer, more private, relationship," the source told Page Six.
Strain over Earl Spencer's book
However, there has been some strain, as a result of a new book by Prince Harry's uncle, Earl Charles Spencer, about his late sister, Princess Diana. The book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, reportedly includes an allegation about a conversation involving the late princess and King Charles following her death in 1997.
The King's representatives have issued a denial of the allegation. One source claimed the King is "furious" about the book. They said: "The fact that Prince Harry was just with his uncle in the summer makes it seem that he has a good relationship with him, and the King is furious about the book."
A royal insider said it "does not help" when conversations between the King and his son are leaked. There has been no public statement from Buckingham Palace confirming that the book has affected relations between King Charles and Prince Harry.
Harry's UK return and future plans
Prince Harry's return to Britain comes more than six years after he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and moved to North America. The couple have described their current stay in the UK as an extended period with their children, while continuing to maintain an international lifestyle.
The family are reportedly planning to remain in Britain for at least the school year, which ends next summer. Prince Harry is also expected to focus on his work with the Invictus Games, which will take place in Birmingham next year.
