Prince Harry Pays Respects at Queen’s Grave: UK Visit Sparks Speculation of King Charles Meeting

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry has returned to the U.K. to engage with his charities, reigniting conversations about a potential meeting with his father, King Charles III. This visit comes 19 months after their last encounter and on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

Despite their strained relationship, many are hopeful that this trip could lead to a long-awaited reconciliation. Harry visited the Queen’s grave in Windsor, laying flowers and paying respects.

Since moving to California in 2020, Harry’s ties with the royal family have been tenuous, largely due to his and Meghan Markle’s candid revelations about palace life during interviews and in Harry’s memoir, “Spare.” Their decisions have led to deeper rifts with family, especially after public criticisms of King Charles and Prince William.

The last time Harry met Charles was in February 2024. He rushed back to London after hearing of his father’s cancer diagnosis. That brief visit lasted only about 45 minutes before Charles returned to recover.

In April, Harry was in London again, but tensions remained due to a court case concerning his security measures, which he claimed put his family at risk. After the case ended, Harry expressed a desire to mend family ties, emphasizing the importance of reconciling before it’s too late.

He stated, “There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has.” Although he reached out for reconciliation, he also expressed frustration about decisions made in 2020 that still affect his safety.

In July, there were signs of a shift. Harry’s new communication team met with Charles’s press representative, suggesting that perhaps communication lines are opening. This was a positive indicator that a reconciliation could be possible.

Harry’s appearance at the WellChild Awards, honoring seriously ill children, highlighted his ongoing commitment to charity. He connected with young attendees, reminiscing about his own family experiences.

However, healing any rift will be challenging. Harry’s memoir painted a vivid picture of royal life, revealing private discussions that could complicate relationships further. This portrayal has created an image of the royal family as deeply divided, which may hinder attempts at unity.

King Charles, nearing his 77th birthday and dealing with ongoing health issues, might be motivated to mend fences for the sake of his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet. As family dynamics shift, there’s a chance for resolution if both sides truly seek it.

Harry believes that reconciliation requires honesty. Recently, he remarked, “If they don’t want that, that’s entirely up to them.” The journey to reconciliation remains uncertain, but this visit could mark a step towards healing old wounds.

For more on the royal family dynamics, visit AP News.

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