In the immediate aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, King Charles III convened an urgent meeting with his eldest son, Prince William, to discuss vital matters related to his new role as monarch. Notably absent from this secretive meeting in September 2022 was Prince Harry, indicating a significant rift within the royal family.
Historian and royal expert Robert Hardman highlighted this exclusion in his book, “Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story.” He explained that, traditionally, Prince Harry’s presence in such discussions would have been a given. However, his departure from royal duties and candid revelations about life within the monarchy had strained relationships to the point where his involvement was deemed a distraction. Hardman noted, “This was not the right time for open and heartfelt discussions with Prince Harry, especially if he was still preparing material for his upcoming book.”
Prince Harry traveled to Balmoral after his father informed him about the queen’s deteriorating health. King Charles specifically requested that Harry not bring Meghan Markle, which added to the tension. Upon arriving at Balmoral, Harry was met by his aunt, Princess Anne, who facilitated a private farewell to his grandmother.
The decision to exclude Harry from the meeting reflected the current state of his relationships with King Charles and Prince William. In his memoir “Spare,” Harry detailed his struggles and the circumstances surrounding the Queen’s passing, including learning about her death through a BBC News website update.
Sources close to the royal family suggest King Charles aimed to maintain a clear head during the crucial discussions with William. The king needed to focus on the significant responsibilities and challenges ahead of him without the potential distractions that Harry’s presence might bring. The meeting timing was also sensitive, coming just months before the release of Harry’s memoir, which contains candid insights into his life and grievances with the royal family.
This exclusion starkly contrasts with when Harry’s involvement in such high-level family discussions would have been automatic. The strained ties are further underscored by King Charles’ and Prince William’s cautious approach towards Harry, influenced by the publicity and revelations surrounding his and Meghan’s exit from royal duties.
The incident at Balmoral is one of many recent events highlighting the ongoing tensions within the royal family. As King Charles mastered his new role, he faced the dual challenges of navigating his grief and managing the complexities of family dynamics, particularly with Harry’s vocal stance on his experiences within the monarchy.
The path to reconciliation remains uncertain, with trust and communication at a low point. Despite this, there are indications that efforts to mend these relationships continue behind the scenes, albeit with significant hurdles to overcome.
