Prince Harry is not expected to meet his father, King Charles III, during his upcoming visit to the UK for a High Court case against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail. Royal sources have indicated that the King wishes to avoid any association with the legal proceedings, leading to a deliberate distance between the two.
The Duke of Sussex is due to appear in court for the start of the trial, which is scheduled to begin around January 19, though the exact date has yet to be finalised. During this period, the King is expected to be at Balmoral for his traditional post-Christmas stay, further reducing the likelihood of a meeting.
This contrasts with Harry's last visit in September, when he had a long-awaited reunion with his father, sharing afternoon tea and describing him as 'great'. However, sources now suggest that the King's strategic avoidance is partly to keep his distance from the court case.
In May, Harry told the BBC that the King would not speak to him due to his legal fight with the Home Office over security, expressing hopes for reconciliation but uncertainty about his father's health. The Home Office has since ordered a full threat assessment for Harry, potentially reinstating his taxpayer-funded armed security for UK visits, which a source described as 'nailed-on'.
During his previous High Court case, Harry argued that the lack of security made it impossible to bring his wife Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, to the UK. A known stalker came within yards of him during his September visit, highlighting the risks. A source close to the Sussexes said the threats against Harry and his children underscore the need for police protection before the family can visit.
