Prince Harry’s chances of returning as a working royal seem slim, with tensions between him and the royal family at an all-time high. Despite reports that the Duke misses his home country and those he left behind, a reconciliation appears distant.
The relationship between Harry and his father, King Charles, is particularly strained, and reports suggest that Harry is seeking an apology from his family—an apology he’s unlikely to receive. The King, reportedly furious over his son’s behavior, may be considering a significant response, possibly even removing Harry from the line of succession.
The tension between King Charles and Prince Harry dates back to Harry’s birth, when the monarch allegedly expressed disappointment that his second child wasn’t a girl. As Harry grew, these feelings of disconnect only deepened. In his memoir *Spare*, Harry recounts the moment he learned of his mother, Princess Diana’s death, recalling that Charles, while delivering the tragic news, did little to comfort him. This moment highlights the longstanding emotional distance between father and son.
When Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from royal duties, they didn’t just leave behind titles—they also began publicly criticizing the royal family. Their revelations, including those in Harry’s book, were met with outrage within the Firm. In response, King Charles took decisive action, evicting the couple from Frogmore Cottage, their UK residence.
The eviction, reportedly driven by Charles’ anger over Harry’s tell-all book, marked a low point in their relationship. Harry and Meghan were given until the summer to vacate, a move that felt like a final severing of ties. Despite this, Harry’s refusal to stay at a royal residence during a visit to the UK, opting instead for a hotel, raised further concerns about the deep-rooted issues between him and his family.
Harry and Meghan’s recent travels, which some have dubbed “royal tours,” have only added to the tension. Their trip to Nigeria, where they were received with the same pomp and ceremony as working royals, particularly angered Charles and Prince William. The visit gave the impression that the couple continues to operate as though they are still part of the royal fold, a notion that deeply troubles the senior royals.
In response to Harry and Meghan’s continued high-profile appearances, there have been discussions within the royal family about stripping them of their titles. Such a move would be risky, potentially fueling further resentment and criticism from the Sussexes. Yet, the use of their titles during the Nigeria trip has led some royal experts to suggest that King Charles might see this as a necessary step.
Beyond titles, the King could consider an even more drastic measure: removing Harry from the line of succession. This decision, while complex, would send a clear message about the Duke’s standing within the family. Although removing a royal from the line of succession typically requires government action, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. Some experts suggest that Harry might even agree to such a move if it meant fully cutting ties with his royal responsibilities.
As the royal family continues to grapple with these issues, the future of Harry’s relationship with his family remains uncertain. While he and Meghan continue to carve out their own path, the potential consequences of their actions could reshape the dynamics of the British monarchy.