The long-term stability of the Royal Family may depend on King Charles and Prince William presenting a united front over Prince Harry’s future visits to the UK, according to a royal commentator. The expert suggested that the Prince of Wales appears alert to the risk that the Duke of Sussex’s return could dominate headlines and distract from the monarchy’s ongoing public work.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, author Richard Fitzwilliams said the King is believed to be keen to build a closer bond with his grandchildren, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, who live with Harry and Meghan in Montecito, California. William, however, is understood to be taking a more cautious view of the situation.
‘The most disastrous thing that could happen to the monarchy would be a falling out between King Charles and Prince William, who, together with his family, is its future,’ he continued.
Fitzwilliams said it was understandable that Charles would want to spend time with Archie and Lilibet, noting that while Harry and Meghan have recently avoided making personal public comments, background briefings around the Sussexes have continued.
He added that further trips appear to be part of the Sussexes’ plans, with the couple reportedly eager for the King to have more opportunities to see his grandchildren. Fitzwilliams suggested that practical issues, including where Harry stays and what security arrangements are in place, are likely to be handled more carefully in the future.
That improved planning, Richard suggested, could even open the door to King Charles attending next year’s Invictus Games in Birmingham.
‘After all, he is the head of the armed forces and it undeniably is a valuable military charity.’
The royal expert also pointed to Prince William’s public schedule on the day Harry and Meghan met the King and Queen, saying the heir appeared to signal clear disapproval of his younger brother by playing polo with Catherine’s support at the same time.
‘If this was a one-off, few could object.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, author Richard Fitzwilliams said that while the King most likely wants to connect with his grandchildren Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – who are an ocean away in Montecito – the heir is more wary
‘However, it is clearly part of a strategy. Harry and Meghan’s royal links mean everything, and Harry is wonderful with children.
‘Whilst appreciating his father’s approach, William is likely to be concerned about the effects of future visits. These are likely to overshadow the valuable work the monarchy is doing in the media.
‘It would be best if they happened privately with no one knowing and great progress might then be made, though that does not tend to be the Sussexes’ way.
‘Also, the idea of a form of “half in half out”, which Queen Elizabeth rejected, could be revived, according to reports, but it might be difficult to agree how this could be handled in practice.’
Richard stressed, however, that William and Charles must present a united front as the King’s future relationship with Harry progresses.
‘When there are disputes between families, reconciliation should always be welcomed. However, it often comes at a cost,’ he explained.
‘The Royal Family will bear in mind that the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death is coming up and Netflix would clearly like first refusal on anything the Sussexes were involved in to commemorate this.
The Royal Family’s future relies on William and Charles having a ‘joint approach’ when it comes to Harry’s visits, a royal expert has claimed. Harry in Birmingham earlier this month
Richard stressed, however, that William and Charles must present a united front as the King’s future relationship with Harry progresses. William and Kate at the polo during Harry’s visit
‘There is a lot to play for and obviously we must hope one of the world’s most public family disputes is gradually resolved.
‘However, it is essential for the future of the monarchy that the King and Prince William agree a joint approach – both publicly and privately – on how this should be handled.
‘The optics of the way the King and William are handling this issue are fuelling reports, backed up by royal author Tina Brown last September, of serious divisions between them.
‘Since it is essential for the future of the monarchy that they speak with one voice on substantive issues, this is damaging for the monarchy and confusing for the public.’
He added: ‘Since the institution cannot afford deep divisions between them, perhaps Queen Camilla and Catherine will play a part in ensuring that, even if their priorities are different from the Sussexes’, that they present a more united front publicly.
‘If it was ensured that future visits by the Sussexes were private, that would obviously help.’
Ms Brown also said that Charles’s ‘alternation from his exasperating younger son is a constant heartache, made more painful by the fact that his paternal relationship with William, who was staunchly against his visit, is civil at best’.
She also suggested that ‘many in William’s camp considered the Highgrove rapprochement a reward for Harry’s manipulation and emotional blackmail’.
