King Charles has ended all direct communication with Prince Harry, according to a recent report in People magazine. The magazine, known for its reliable sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, states that the king no longer responds to Harry’s calls or letters. Consequently, Prince Harry must rely on media reports to learn about his father’s cancer diagnosis and treatment.
This communication breakdown follows Harry’s public criticism of the royal family, where he claimed that the removal of his security was a method used to “control” him and keep him and Meghan in the UK. The security issue remains a contentious subject between Harry and the royal institution.
According to various sources, the emotional gap between the 76-year-old king and his younger son has grown since Harry and Meghan withdrew from royal duties in 2020. Their last personal meeting occurred in February 2024 when Harry visited his father following Charles’s announcement of his cancer diagnosis. People magazine reports Queen Camilla, whom Harry reportedly dislikes, was also present at this meeting.
What stands out in the current situation is the absence of private conversations between the father and son since their February encounter. “I don’t think there is any rapprochement… Nothing has changed,” a palace source added, while another described their relationship as “distant.”
The lack of communication leaves Harry without direct information regarding his father’s health status or prognosis, making him dependent on the same public sources for updates.
Insiders suggest the king is intentionally maintaining his distance to avoid involvement in Harry’s legal dispute with the UK government over security issues. Harry believes Charles could restore his state-funded security, which was removed after he stepped back from royal duties, but the king remains uninvolved.
The estrangement extends beyond King Charles and Harry. Prince William, the heir apparent, has also rejected Harry’s attempts to communicate with him. William’s associates claim he feels a deep resentment toward Harry for perceived breaches of trust, especially after the release of Harry’s memoir “Spare,” which included unflattering depictions of William and his wife, Kate Middleton.
Harry’s ties with the royal family have further worsened following actions by Meghan that appeared to violate the agreements made when they stepped back from royal duties. Meghan recently stirred controversy by posting a message from the Vice President of Ukraine, referring to her as “Your Royal Highness,” a title they agreed to stop using after the “Sandringham Summit.”
While King Charles has generally been lenient regarding such breaches, sources indicate that Prince William holds a stricter view. Reports suggest William wants to deal with the couple “more harshly” and may consider stripping them of their titles when he becomes king.
The growing divide persists despite Harry’s apparent efforts at reconciliation. During a recent visit to the UK, he reportedly stayed near William’s residence, described by sources as an “olive branch” to mend their relationship. However, this gesture seems to have been ignored by his brother.
Royal analysts believe the decision to cut off communication could have financial consequences. Reports indicate that King Charles faces pressure from family members and advisors to exclude Prince Harry from his will, as the rift between them deepens. Prince William is reportedly supporting this change to prevent Harry from inheriting any portion of the monarchy’s substantial wealth, estimated at $34 billion.
Harry’s unexpected visit to Ukraine last week further complicated family dynamics. He traveled to the conflict zone to meet with injured soldiers, a move that reportedly left Prince William “frustrated and fuming” at palace officials. Sources say William had long desired to make a similar visit but was denied permission due to security concerns.
Despite the significant family divisions, Harry has expressed a desire for his children, Archie and Lilibet, to connect with their British heritage. However, the security issues that initially triggered the rift continue to hinder family reconciliation.
While some royal observers suggest King Charles should initiate efforts to heal the rift with his son, there seems to be little interest in reconciliation from either side at this time. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that trust remains a significant barrier to any potential reconciliation between Harry and the senior royal family members.
The ongoing estrangement between Harry and his father marks a notable shift from their previously close relationship. In the years following Princess Diana’s death, Charles was often seen as a devoted father who worked hard to maintain a strong bond with both his sons, despite the challenges of royal life and public scrutiny.
