Sibling disagreement: Will King Charles III and Prince Harry reconcile in the future?
In the realm of the British royal family, the estrangement between Prince Harry and his father, King Charles III, has been a subject of much public interest since the Sussexes stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. The rift, intensified by a series of public disclosures, has left the family looking further apart than ever since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Harry's book "Spare (2023)", the 2021 Oprah interview, and the Netflix docuseries have all contributed to the intensification of the estrangement. Harry's emotional plea in May 2025, which references Charles's limited time left due to cancer, is in line with Pillemer's finding that health crises can sometimes lead to reconciliation attempts. However, Harry's anguish over Charles's refusal to talk, citing "security disputes" as the excuse, has added to the strain.
Research at Cornell University indicates that 68 million people are estranged from a family member in the United States alone, and the amount isn't much different in European countries. This suggests that the situation between Harry and Charles is not unique, but the public attention it receives certainly is.
The emotional toll of the estrangement has been described as "ambiguous loss" by therapist Pauline Boss, where the absent family member remains psychologically present, continuing a desperate feeling of unresolved grief, anxiety, and depression in all family members. This is undoubtedly true for both Harry and Charles, as well as for the British public who are divided about reconciliation.
A May 2025 YouGov poll found 61% view Charles positively, and 60% in a Mirror survey (August 2025) expressed sadness over the rift. Yet, 20-30% of Britons believe that reconciliation between Prince Harry and King Charles is possible. This hope is further fuelled by small gestures such as Charles's birthday message to Harry in 2024, and Harry's WellChild visit, which suggest that both parties may desire a path forward.
However, the public and media attention complicates the possible reconciliation. Charles insists any meeting must be private and without cameras, fearing further public fallout. Meanwhile, Harry's and Meghan's past public criticisms and revelations have strained trust within the royal family, making reconciliation difficult in the public eye.
Recent reports indicate potential steps toward reconciliation, with a meeting between aides of King Charles and Prince Harry in London in July 2025. Yet, Harry has reportedly turned down a meeting with his father. The time is right for an olive branch to be extended, according to unspecified sources, but the path forward is not clear.
Harry's move away from tell-alls and his focus on charity projects suggest a potential willingness to move forward and put the fight behind him. Pillemer suggests that reconciliation could be possible through mutual compassion, establishing clear boundaries, and focusing on the present rather than past grievances.
Younger Britons (18-24) are more sympathetic to Harry, with 55% viewing him positively, while only 29% of those over 65 do. No betting houses are currently offering odds on the reconciliation between Prince Harry and King Charles, but the hope remains that the estrangement will one day come to an end.
