Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has identified a 'lack of trust' as the critical issue still preventing full reconciliation between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and King Charles, despite their recent reunion at Highgrove House.
Reunion at Highgrove
Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles, 77, and Queen Camilla, 78, hosted Prince Harry, 41, Meghan Markle, 44, and their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, at Highgrove House on Friday. The Palace described the gathering as a 'private family occasion'. This visit marks the first time the monarch has seen Archie and Lilibet in over four years, and the first time Harry and Meghan have visited the UK as a couple since 2022, when they attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Trust as a Critical Issue
Writing in The i Paper, Bond suggested that the weekend could represent a crucial 'make-or-finally-break moment' between Harry and his father. She stated: 'Their end-of-term report would surely read: "Must do better." Trust – or rather a lack of it – between the two camps is still a critical issue. This weekend could be a make-or-finally-break moment in the chequered relationship between Harry and his dad.'
The lack of trust stems from the couple's decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 and move to the United States, a rift that deepened after Harry publicly criticised his family in the Netflix documentary series with Meghan and in his tell-all memoir, Spare.
No Plans for William Reconciliation
Despite the positive step of the Highgrove reunion, there are reportedly no plans for Prince Harry to meet with his brother, Prince William, while he and Meghan are in the UK. The brothers' relationship remains strained, with no reconciliation expected in the near future.
Praise for the Spencer Family
Bond also praised the late Princess Diana's family for what she called 'a masterclass in diplomacy' in maintaining good relations with both Harry and William despite their rift. She noted: 'Quietly, and without fuss, they have held true to Earl Spencer’s pledge at Diana’s funeral to protect William and Harry and allow “their souls to sing openly” as she had planned. Of course it has to be said that the Spencers weren’t in Harry’s firing line during his onslaught against the Palace, his father, his brother and others. So they have no reason to hold any grudges. They have executed a masterclass in diplomacy, staying on good terms with both brothers and showing up for Harry – for example at the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games a couple of years ago, when the royals shunned him.'
