The Royal Family has been warned of a potential disaster if King Charles and William, the Prince of Wales, fall out, according to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams. The warning comes as William is thought to be doubling down on his decision to keep Prince Harry at a distance.
Harry met Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House with Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, during his UK visit in July. It was the first time the monarch had seen his grandchildren since 2022.
Concerns over Harry and Meghan's role
It has now been reported that there is widespread concern that the meeting will be used by Harry and Meghan to "inveigle themselves" back into a "half-in, half-out" role. The Duke is set to visit again in September, and during his recent trip he took part in an event marking one year until the Invictus Games in Birmingham and participated in goat yoga in Warwickshire.
'A path is being cleared for reconciliation'
Fitzwilliams suggested "a path is being cleared by the King for reconciliation", telling The Daily Mail this presents a challenge considering William's purported outlook. He said: "The most disastrous thing that could happen to the monarchy would be a falling out between King Charles and Prince William, who together with his family, is its future."
"The King would obviously be unwise to approach this without [his older son’s] support as it could be incendiary. This presents a huge challenge for whoever succeeds Sir Clive!"
King's right-hand man Sir Clive Alderton to step down
Sir Clive Alderton has announced he will step down from his role, 20 years after first joining the Royal Household. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "I know Their Majesties are deeply grateful to Sir Clive for his tireless support and wise counsel over the years, and for the enduring loyalty that will ensure a smooth transition to his successor."
Sir Clive reportedly led royal aides in finalising plans with the Duke of Sussex in the aftermath of the 2020 "Sandringham Summit" with the Late Queen Elizabeth II, which led to "Megxit" after a "half in, half out" role for the couple was ruled out. Her Late Majesty issued a statement sanctioning Harry and Meghan's new "independent life" away from full-time royal duties.
