Prince Harry is reportedly “ready” to take on a temporary royal role while King Charles battles cancer, but a royal expert said “neither side” wants the couple back in the UK.
The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex has reportedly told friends that he would take on such a role as long as his father was unwell.
They are said to have had several “warm conversations” since the king’s illness was diagnosed, it was said last night.
Harry, who stepped down as working royal alongside his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, in 2020, is a councilor of state but is not expected to take on any royal duties during his recovery.
A royal source told The Times that Charles, 75, is keen to reconcile and see more of his son and believes this would benefit the monarchy.
King Charles III leaves the London Clinic on January 29th with Queen Camilla at his side
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate on February 11
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are in Canada hosting a series of events for the Invictus Games
The source told the newspaper: “In every practical sense it makes perfect sense for the family to come together to support the king while he is ill.”
“Much has been said on both sides in recent years, but this has never diminished the fundamental blood ties and there are now pragmatic aspects to consider, with the welfare of the King and Kate the first priority.”
“The details of the Clarence House meeting and subsequent discussions are confidential, but there is a feeling that this arrangement could work.”
However, royal expert Hugo Vickers told Web that “neither side” wants the couple back in the UK, despite Duke's recent Olive Branch interview on US television.
He said: “I personally don't actually think anyone has any desire at the moment for him to come home and take up royal duties again.”
“He cannot suddenly assume royal duties again, under the current circumstances it is quite a long way away.” [away]. It is always possible to reconcile. It's always possible that things will be sorted out, but not so quickly. “So no, is the answer.”
The royal expert continued: “His father never responded to the taunts that came his way.” [and] left the door wide open [Harry].
“He came to him the other day, and I hope it was a tonic for the king. “I don't know if it was, but I hope so, because he obviously loves his son.”
Charles and his staff would reportedly have to develop a written plan before Harry could resume official duties.
This comes after Harry suggested in an interview with a US breakfast show that the king's illness could lead to a reconciliation with his father.
Harry also said: “I love my family” and that he was “grateful” to be able to spend time with his father as he flew back to the UK last week.
The Duke's whirlwind visit to see Charles for about 45 minutes sparked speculation that the brothers, who have been estranged since the Duke stepped down as a working royal, may be about to rebuild their relationship.
The interview, which aired on Good Morning America, suggested that illness in the family could have a “unifying effect.”
Meghan and Prince Harry were accompanied by a film crew led by Will Reeve, son of the late Superman star Christopher Reeve
During a tour of the winter sports city of Whistler, which alongside Vancouver is hosting the 2025 Invictus Games, Prince Harry was interviewed by Will Reeve
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Will Reeve appear in a trailer for the GMA interview today
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with ABC presenter Will Reeve in Whistler on Wednesday
Prince Harry is spotted in Whistler on Wednesday with American television presenter Will Reeve
While Meghan didn't take part in the bobsledding yesterday, she was able to enjoy watching
Harry was asked, “Is that possible in this case?” to which he replied he was sure.
The Duke and his wife Meghan are in Canada hosting a series of events with Invictus participants to mark one year until the country hosts Harry's Invictus Games for wounded and sick veterans and military personnel.
They are followed by a film crew led by Will Reeve, son of the late Superman star Christopher Reeve, who interviewed Harry in the ski resort town of Whistler, which, along with Vancouver, is hosting the 2025 Invictus Games.
Pointing to the Invictus competitors, Harry added: “In all of these families, I see the strength of the family unit coming together every day.”
“I think any illness, any illness brings families together.”
Buckingham Palace has not released any details about Charles' cancer and Harry declined to reveal any information when asked about his “take” on the royal's health, replying: “That stays between me and him.”
But he said he would visit his father in the future: “I have other trips planned that would take me around the UK or back to the UK, so I will pop in and see my family as often as I can.”'
Last Tuesday, after Harry spent time with Charles at Clarence House, there was no meeting between the Duke and his brother, the Prince of Wales.
The breakdown in the bond between the royal brothers can be traced back to the early stages of Harry's relationship with his wife Meghan, when his then-fiancée had a falling out with the Princess of Wales in the run-up to their wedding.
Since stepping down as working royals in 2020 and moving to California, the Sussexes have voiced allegations and grievances against the monarchy and members of the royal family, which have also led to a deterioration in relations.
Speaking to Reeve, Harry said: “Look, I love my family.”
“The fact that I was able to get on a plane and visit him and spend time with him at any time, I’m grateful for that.”
For the prince to return to royal life, the king and his aides would have to draw up a written plan before Harry could return to his official duties and would not receive any public funds
Harry said in the Olive Branch interview with US TV that I “love my family” and that he was “grateful” to be able to spend time with his father as he flew back to the UK last week
The Duke was asked about his life in America, which he described as “amazing”, and whether he had considered becoming a US citizen, with the royal saying he had “thought about it”.
Harry added: “American citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind, but certainly not something that is a high priority for me at the moment.”
Asked how he “processed” what was going on with his family in the UK, the royal replied: “I have my own family, like we all do.” “My family and my life in California is like that they are.”
Meghan and Harry are raising their two children, Prince Archie, aged four, and two-year-old Princess Lilibet, in the celebrity enclave of Montecito, California.
The Duke said: “The children are doing great, the children, like all children, are growing very, very quickly.” They both have an incredible sense of humor – they make us laugh and keep us grounded every day, like most people do Children do.
“I’m just very grateful to be a father.”
During the interview, footage was shown of Harry's attempts at skeleton bobsleigh, one of the winter sports that will be featured for the first time at next year's Invictus Games.
Harry said that hosting the biennial Games or the events that continue for another year is his “… annual mission” to be part of this community and laugh and have fun – no matter what nationality they are from Come on, the jokes are the same.
“I get a lot of energy just from being around these guys.”
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.