Prince Harry has signaled his willingness to mend ties with the British Royal Family, despite ongoing disagreements over security matters that have caused a significant divide with his father, King Charles III.
In a recent BBC interview, Harry mentioned that his father is not communicating with him due to a conflict regarding his security in the United Kingdom, which has prevented him from safely bringing his family to visit.
The Duke of Sussex’s remarks came shortly after he lost a legal challenge on May 2, 2025, when the UK Court of Appeal rejected his attempt to reinstate the state-funded security he lost after stepping down from royal duties in 2020. The panel of three judges agreed unanimously that the decision to remove his automatic police protection was neither irrational nor procedurally unfair, countering Harry’s claims that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) had treated him differently and unfairly.
Harry appeared emotional during the interview, suggesting that the security decision was initially intended to maintain control over him and his wife, Meghan. He asserted that once it became clear they were happier outside the royal institution, the family and government did not adequately assess the security threats his family might face without adequate protection. He described the court’s ruling as “a good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up,” hinting at palace officials’ influence over the process.
“I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” Harry told the BBC. “Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has. He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff, but it would be nice to reconcile.”
The mention of his father’s health was notable, as King Charles has been receiving treatment for cancer since early 2024. Harry expressed hope to repair their relationship despite differences, although the security issue remains a significant barrier.
Buckingham Palace quickly responded to Harry’s interview with a brief statement that did not directly address his comments about reconciliation. Palace officials stated that “All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion,” effectively endorsing the court’s decision while avoiding the personal side of Harry’s appeal.
Harry maintains the validity of his security concerns, citing threats from extremist groups and a paparazzi car chase in New York City in 2023. His legal team argued in court that he has a lifelong security risk due to his birth and that his military service in Afghanistan has exacerbated these risks. Harry stated he cannot see bringing Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, back to the UK without sufficient protection.
The relationship between Harry and the royal family has been tense since he and Meghan stepped back from their duties in 2020. Tensions increased after their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, during which they claimed racial concerns had been raised about their son’s skin color. Harry’s memoir “Spare,” published in 2023, further strained relations by revealing private disputes, including an alleged physical altercation with his brother, Prince William.
Royal commentator Joe Little suggested that Harry’s latest public comments might not assist his reconciliation efforts. Little told the New York Post that Harry should have maintained a “dignified silence” to truly mend his relationship with the family, noting that continuous public statements have made it difficult for the family to trust him with private matters.
Despite his desire for reconciliation, Harry did not refrain from criticizing his family in the interview. He suggested that his father could resolve the security issue by “stepping aside” and allowing experts to handle it. He also referenced his mother, Princess Diana, implying that some might want “history to repeat itself,” a statement viewed as exceptionally provocative by royal observers.
While Harry claims to have “forgiven” his family, he acknowledged that some members “may never forgive” him for the revelations in his book. He remains firm that the security issue is “the only thing that’s left” hindering reconciliation, calling it a “sticking point” in their relationship.
The timing of Harry’s interview has also drawn attention, coinciding with the royal family’s preparation for events marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. King Charles, Queen Camilla, and other senior royals attended public ceremonies on May 5, focusing on royal duties instead of family drama. The palace appears to be following the late Queen Elizabeth II’s approach of “keep calm and carry on” in light of Harry’s remarks.
Some royal observers believe Princess Eugenie could play a role in bridging the gap between Harry and the royal family. According to The Royal Observer, Eugenie has maintained contact with the Sussexes, even visiting them in Portugal in 2023, and was the only royal family member featured in the couple’s Netflix documentary.
For now, Harry and Meghan remain in California with their children, and they cannot return safely to the UK as a family due to security concerns. Harry reiterated his deep and enduring affection for his country, stating that he has always valued it, despite the actions of certain individuals within it. However, he admitted that the chance of reconciling with his family remains uncertain as long as disagreements over the security issue persist.
