The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has been estranged from the royal family, including his father King Charles and his brother Prince William, since stepping back from his royal duties in 2020. King Charles has reportedly urged Harry to cease divulging further details about the royal family’s private matters, according to a royal expert.
Prince Harry, alongside his wife Meghan Markle, made the decision to step down from their roles within the royal family in early 2020 and relocated to the United States. Since then, the couple has been vocal about their experiences within the monarchy, often referred to as “The Firm.”
Their revelations began with a high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, continued through their 2022 Netflix docuseries, and were further detailed in Harry’s 2023 autobiography. These disclosures have seemingly exacerbated the rift within the royal family.
Now, it appears King Charles has reached a tipping point. According to royal author and expert Tom Quinn, King Charles has explicitly requested that Prince Harry refrain from making any more public statements about the royal family that could incite further conflict. Quinn told the Mirror, “Harry has been asked directly by his father not to write or say publicly anything further about the family or his brother that might cause trouble.
And everyone knows that when a king asks you to do something there are going to be consequences if you do not obey.” He added, “Over the years that Harry has complained about his treatment by his family, he has had just one aim – to get an apology and to see his father and brother make amends. Harry just can’t see that complaining in private might work; complaining publicly just makes things worse and in Harry’s case, that means more and more ties to his past being severed.”
The relationship between Harry and his family has appeared strained, particularly since 2020 when he and Meghan decided to step back from their royal duties and move to the US. Among Harry’s various public comments, allegations of racism within the royal family and a physical altercation with his brother William have been especially inflammatory, further souring his relationship with the family.
This recent development is not the first time the consequences of Harry’s candidness have been highlighted. Earlier this month, royal commentator Jennie Bond discussed the potential impact of the ongoing family feud on Harry’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Speaking to OK! magazine, Bond remarked, “Children grow up and are innately curious about their heritage and background… and when your heritage is one of the most famous families in the world, it will undoubtedly seem rather odd and perhaps sad that you hardly know or remember them.”
She elaborated, “Imagine Archie, aged 15, telling his friends, ‘My grandpa is/was King! And my Uncle is/will be King too.’ But he hardly knew or met them. How sad… and Meghan would have to bear the brunt of the responsibility for that.”
The ongoing tension between Harry and his family continues to capture public interest, with each side seemingly entrenched in their positions. While Harry has expressed his grievances in hopes of prompting apologies and reconciliations, his public approach has arguably deepened the divide. King Charles’s recent request signifies a desire to contain the situation and avoid further public controversy.
Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal life and subsequent disclosures have been polarizing, drawing both support and criticism. Some view their actions as a necessary step toward greater personal freedom and openness, while others see them as damaging to the institution of the monarchy and their familial relationships.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex navigate their new life in the United States, the repercussions of their public statements remain a significant point of contention. The future of their relationship with the royal family, particularly with King Charles and Prince William, remains uncertain, with reconciliation seeming challenging given the current climate of mistrust and hurt feelings. Whether Harry will heed his father’s request and whether such a move could pave the way for healing within the family is yet to be seen.
