The King was reportedly hesitant about reuniting with Prince Harry and still harbors reservations, as per an expert’s analysis. The father and son met face to face for the first time in 19 months in September at Clarence House, leading to hopes of a potential reconciliation. However, reports emerged later suggesting a formal and somewhat strained meeting, with Harry responding to alleged efforts to undermine their reconciliation. The King was said to be disheartened by Harry’s comments, leading to his caution in fully embracing his son back into the family fold.
Following the meeting, royal editor Rebecca English of the Daily Mail highlighted the King’s wariness about the situation. She noted that while details of the meeting remain undisclosed due to concerns over potential leaks, there was a sense that the King felt somewhat pressured into the reunion. Despite this, Harry’s friends express his desire for the King to visit the US to see his grandchildren.
The King’s last interaction with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet was during their visit to the UK in 2022. Since then, limited contact has been maintained, with Harry advocating for the reinstatement of armed police protection during UK visits. Reports indicate Harry’s hope for a familial visit to California following news of the King’s scaled-back cancer treatment.
Efforts are underway to restore Harry’s taxpayer-funded security during UK visits after a legal dispute over the level of protection he should receive. The Duke of Sussex and his family relocated to Canada and then California after stepping back as senior royals. Optimism surrounds the potential reinstatement of automatic security measures, signaling a positive outlook for future arrangements.