King Charles offers olive branch to Harry for UK trip but will have to 'deal with William'

King Charles is said to be tired of the estrangement within the Royal Family, and is making what appears to be a genuine effort to bridge the gap with his youngest son. Prince Harry is set to return to the UK next month bringing his young family, with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet set to meet their grandparents for the first time in person since 2022. However, royal experts claim they are unlikely to see their uncle, as Prince William has no plans on reuniting.

The Sussexes are travelling to celebrate one year until the Invictus Games held in the UK in 2027. The journey has only been made possible due to the King offering a royal property for the family to stay in during July. With Harry's security arrangements still under review by the Home Office, the King's olive branch of accommodation was deemed to have sufficient security conditions for the trip.

Royal author and historian Andrew Lownie said of the reunion: "I think that's genuine reconciliation. For many years now these two royal dramas Andrew and Harry have been going on and this one is now playing out. I think there's a genuine personal desire here to see his grandchildren. But I also think the King believes that having an estranged royal is not good for the optics."

However, while the King seems to be making an attempt to reconcile, the same cannot be said for his eldest son. Lownie suggests that Charles will have to "deal with William who clearly is adamant that they have nothing to do with Harry."

Royal expert Katie Nicholl adds that William's reluctance is fuelled by irritation that Charles is bending over backwards to make the visit happen. A source previously stated: "William won't be seeing his brother. I suspect he will make sure he's miles away when Harry visits to avoid any awkward encounters. Harry has tried to make contact repeatedly but William won't take his calls."

The last time both brothers were in a room together was reportedly at the funeral of their uncle Sir Robert Fellowes in August 2024, though they were not seen to speak during the proceedings.