The British Royal Family is no stranger to drama and scandal, but if events in recent years have proved anything, its that personal attacks can often come from close and unlikely sources. The continuing controversy surrounding Prince Harry and wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex's decision to leave the royal family has damaged the House of Windsor's reputation; the shock of their departure, their radically different lifestyle, and the bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview last yearm have left the British public - and the world - reeling. Trust and family relationships have almost completely broken down between the Sussexes and the Royal Family. Not least between the couple and Prince Charles, Harry's father and heir to the throne. The prince was reportedly deeply hurt by Harry's accusations that he 'financially cut off' his youngest son, forcing him to seek work outside his royal duties.
However, it seems that relations, which have been at an all time low for the last year, may be slowly starting to improve. So how have Harry and his father been working to rebuild their relationship? Read on to find out.
6 Prince Charles Offered Prince Harry An 'Olive Branch' Through His Recent Essay
It seems that Prince Charles's recent essay on climate change for Newsweek magazine may have been a gentle olive branch to his semi-estranged son.
In the essay, Charles made direct mention of his youngest son, and offered praise of his work on climate change issues:
"Most recently, my elder son, William, launched the prestigious Earthshot Prize to incentivise change and help repair our planet over the next ten years by identifying and investing in the technologies that can make a difference.
"And my younger son, Harry, has passionately highlighted the impact of climate change, especially in relation to Africa, and committed his charity to being net-zero."
5 For Many Watchers, This Comment Is Significant
Many royal commentators were quick to notice Charles's mention of Harry, and outlined its significance for their relationship.
Jack Royston, royal correspondent for Newsweek, claimed the significance could not be overstated: "Prince Charles giving Prince Harry credit for his work on climate change shows he does not want Oprah to be the end of their relationship...A lot has happened between them and it must have been very hard for the Prince of Wales to hear some of the things his second son has been saying about him publicly. From 'total neglect' to 'genetic pain' to 'my family literally cut me off financially,' Harry gave his father both barrels in 2021."
4 The Peace Offering Shows Prince Charles Is Looking Towards The Future
It has also been claimed that Charles's actions show he is willing to move forward, and is also looking at the future of the royal family more broadly.
"The point when Charles becomes king is nearing," claims Jack Royston. "Such clear and public praise for Harry shows he wants to move past the acrimony and look to the future, not the past.
"The Queen twice recently praised the contributions of different members of the royal family to the fight against climate change without mentioning Harry. Charles, clearly, feels more comfortable ensuring his son gets the credit for the work he has done and is not forgotten, in spite of everything."
3 However, There Are Claims That The Sussexes Are Less Than Impressed
It has been said that Harry and Meghan are not overjoyed by Charles's message, however. According to Dr Tessa Dunlop, Charles did not go "far enough" in the eyes of the Sussexes, and still has a long way to go until things are fixed between them.
2 Relations Are 'Still Really Poor' Between Prince Harry And The Rest Of The Royals
According to certain royal commentators, it isn't worth reading too much into this small mention in Charles's essay. Things are still far from good between the Windsors.
The Daily Mail’s Royal Editor Rebecca English said that 'Relationships with Harry are still really poor.' She did counter this by saying 'I do think this is an olive branch to his younger son to show that he is still loved and he is still valued. How that will be received is anyone’s guess."
1 Prince Harry May Delay The Release Of His Upcoming Memoir To Appease Dad Charles
This year, Harry is expected to release his controversial new memoir covering his departure from royal life. In light of Charles's peace offering, it is said that Harry may delay the book from hitting shelves.
According to one royal commentator: “I think if you offer an olive branch, it’s only reasonable to expect something in return. I would have thought that some form of postponement of the autobiography would be considered. Otherwise, everything that is said to Meghan and Harry when they come over for the platinum jubilee celebrations—which I’m sure they will—could conceivably find its way into the book.…The royal family needs to know the pressure is being taken off them when it comes to this autobiography. This is a way of handling it.”