King Charles Reportedly 'Cautious And Wary' As Prince Harry Pursues Royal Reconciliation
King Charles is reportedly taking serious caution amid Prince Harry's latest efforts to mend the long-standing rift with the Royal Family.
It comes after the duke's aides met with the King's communications chief in London, where they held a secret peace talk, as insiders confirmed that "a channel of communication" has now been opened.
Royal experts suggest that Prince Harry's reconciliation efforts are partly motivated by his concern that his brother, Prince William, will "banish" him when their father dies.
Why King Charles Is 'Wary' Of Prince Harry's Reconciliation Efforts
King Charles appears skeptical about his estranged son Prince Harry's efforts to extend an olive branch.
Although Charles is understood to be "open" to mending strained ties with Harry, royal expert Hillary Fordwich told Fox News that he's approaching the subject with great caution.
The British monarch, especially, seems to want to prevent any further drama with the Duke of Sussex, especially after his damaging memoir, "Spare."
"King Charles, while cautious and wary, might attend the Invictus Games," Fordwich told the news outlet.
She added, "But of course, he prefers all private matters to remain private. In addition, there are many conflicts with the royal schedule, let alone Queen Camilla's 80th birthday during the games."
The Duke Of Sussex's Team Met With King Charles' Aides
It comes after Harry's chief communications officer and head of his household in Montecito, California, Meredith Maines, met with Charles' communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae, and held peace talks.
It's no secret that Harry's relationship with the royal family has soured significantly following disturbing allegations he made against some senior members after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down from their royal roles and relocated abroad.
"There's a long road ahead, but a channel of communication is now open for the first time in years," a source said, per the Daily Mail. "There was no formal agenda, just casual drinks. There were things both sides wanted to talk about."
According to the news outlet, the peace talks between the aides are the first step in the "rapprochement process" and are the strongest sign of both sides' willingness to end the feud, although it remains unclear whether Charles or Harry instigated them.
"Everyone just wants to move on and move forward now. It was finally the right time for the two sides to talk," they added.
A Lot Is At Stake For King Charles And The Royal Family Amid The Alleged Peace Talks With Prince Harry
A lot seems to be at stake for King Charles and the royal family should they mend their broken relationship with Harry.
Forwich told Fox News that for Harry, "it's about what he can gain," while for the royals, "it's about what they have to lose."
She continued, "Harry wants to be included. He misses not only the UK but many aspects of royal privileges. However, he hasn't been successful in any of his endeavors. For the royals, more disclosures and scandals are concerning."
"They simply don't need Harry around, particularly not Prince William, who is resolute regarding any reconciliation being a huge mistake," Fordwich added.
Prince William's Relationship With The Duke Of Sussex Is A Major Obstacle On The Road To Reconciliation
Harry's difference with his brother is another issue that has seemingly been exacerbated by the Prince of Wales' deafening silence.
Royal commentator and podcast host Amanda Matta previously told the news outlet that the duke's resentment towards his brother "seems less about" his family's exit "and more about what came after: the silence, the distance, and the sense that the family iced them out because they dared to speak up."
"There simply has to be frustration that the family won't engage in good faith with the points that Harry has raised, even though he's done so publicly," Matta added.
Prince Harry Is 'Worried' He'll Be Banished By His Older Brother
Despite Harry's bold call for reconciliation, trust remains a hurdle in his quest to mend fences with his family.
Royal biographer Tom Bower suggests that Harry is seriously worried about his long-term place in the UK, particularly after his father passes away.
His differences with the heir to the throne, Prince William, have sparked speculation that he fears being banished from the country following William's ascension to the throne.
"Whether they'll meet again in Charles's lifetime depends on how long Charles lives. I couldn't say never because I'm sure Charles wants to meet his son, but so much depends on how Harry behaves," Bower told The Mirror.
"Harry is seriously worried that when his father dies one day, William will literally banish him, and he will have no status in Britain at all. He will be persona non grata," the biographer added about the Duke of Sussex.
