Prince Harry’s reported efforts to reconnect with the royal family, particularly his father, King Charles, may depend on more than a simple invitation, according to royal experts. A path toward reconciliation, they suggest, must begin with a heartfelt apology.
This comes after reports that the Duke of Sussex has extended an invitation to King Charles to attend the Invictus Games in 2027. However, royal commentator and former Buckingham Palace press secretary Dickie Arbiter has stated that much more needs to happen before any such appearance becomes likely.
“There’s got to be a lot to happen between now and then,” Arbiter said. “You can’t just brush everything under the carpet. The Oprah interview. The six hours of Netflix slagging off the royal family. The book Spare. You can’t just sweep that under the carpet.”
Prince Harry’s highly publicized media ventures, including the explosive 2021 Oprah interview, the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries, and his memoir Spare, have caused considerable strain within the royal household. Each has included pointed criticisms of the monarchy, allegations of neglect, and emotional revelations that reportedly shocked senior members of the Firm, as told the sun.
According to Arbiter, a sincere apology may be necessary before any form of reconciliation can begin. “There’s got to be an apology,” he stressed. “The king is sort of commander in chief of the armed services, and it would be a good fit and a good show for him to appear, but it’s a very difficult one. He’s been placed in a dilemma as to how to cope with this.”
He continued, “I think we have to wait and see how this moves on as to whether there is an apology.” Arbiter also touched on the ongoing tension between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William. “He’s got to clear a lot of bad air to get them there, because William really doesn’t want to have anything to do with him,” he said, highlighting the fractured state of the brothers’ relationship.
“As a parent, it is slightly different,” Arbiter added, referring to King Charles. “He loves his son, but he’s very hurt by what his son has done, and there doesn’t seem to be any move of rapprochement.” As the royal family navigates this complex emotional terrain, all eyes remain on whether Prince Harry will take the first step toward repairing fractured bonds, starting with an apology.