Prince William could stand in the way of Prince Harry attending King Charles' birthday, expert claims
Prince Harry could be facing an awkward decision ahead of his father's 78th birthday this weekend, with one royal expert suggesting his strained relationship with brother William could complicate any potential family reunion.
King Charles III celebrates his birthday today (14 Nov), but despite Harry and Meghan Markle's recent return to the UK, there's currently no indication that the Sussexes nor their children will be joining in the festivities.
However, according to royal etiquette expert Laura Windsor, a private reunion between the father and son is not entirely out of the question.
Speaking exclusively to Tyla, Laura explained that while Charles would likely welcome Harry and his grandchildren - Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - for a private celebration, the ongoing fallout between the two royal brothers could make any gathering more difficult.
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There are no credible reports that Prince Harry or the grandchildren will attend the King's 78th birthday, so this is mere speculation," she began before adding. "But it is a plausible scenario.
"The King has tended to celebrate his birthdays quietly, typically with a private dinner at Clarence House with family and close friends. Whatever has passed between him and Harry, Charles is, first and foremost, a father and a grandfather.
"I have no doubt he would welcome his son and grandchildren, provided it happens away from the cameras and the formality of royal life."
The 'Queen of Royal Etiquette' continued: "What's more, there is no reason why such a gathering would have to become public. Given the King's age and health, these occasions carry a deeper significance.
"None of us knows how many birthdays we have left, and time has a way of putting family disagreements into perspective."
Windsor went on to describe William as 'the complication'.
"Relations between the brothers remain strained, and that could make any gathering more difficult," she noted. "Harry's status as a non-working royal is irrelevant here. This is a family matter, not a royal engagement."
Prince William could complicate a potential birthday reunion
Harry and William's relationship has been the subject of considerable speculation in recent years, particularly following the Duke of Sussex's decision to step back from royal duties alongside Meghan in 2020.
The couple subsequently relocated to California, where they lived in Montecito for six years, raising Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, before making the move back to the UK back in August of this year.
The return sparked questions about whether the family could be preparing to rebuild relationships with the monarchy - though, their move has not automatically meant a reconciliation is on the cards.
Harry, 42, has previously spoken candidly about his desire to repair family relationships, telling GQ in October: "Some people don't want it to work out. I want it to work out."
He also suggested that letting go of past disagreements was important, adding that there was enough drama in the world without continuing to have issues with family.
Despite this, reports of a potential apology from Harry and Meghan to William and wife Kate Middleton were reportedly dismissed by a source close to the Sussexes as 'nonsense' earlier this year.
The brothers are also understood to have remained estranged since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
Windsor believes that, until those relationships are properly repaired, Harry may be better off keeping his distance from public family occasions.
She continued: "If his absence from the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday has any bearing on what lies ahead, I suspect Harry will continue to keep his distance from public family celebrations, at least until the rift has been mended.
"Much will depend on whether he makes a genuine effort to rebuild his relationship with his father and, perhaps more particularly, his brother. This is about trust, not just keeping matters out of the headlines."
Windsor added: "Until those relationships have been repaired, I think it would be very difficult and a good idea to avoid such occasions."
Would King Charles invite Prince Harry to his birthday?
The expert's comments come just days after Harry was reportedly expected to miss this year's Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph in London, despite his return to Britain.
According to reports, the Duke wanted to avoid doing anything that might draw attention away from the Royal Family and the national commemorations, instead preferring to mark the occasion privately.
Windsor previously told Tyla that Harry's reported decision could be viewed as a departure from his previous public behaviour, while questioning whether keeping a low profile might signal the beginning of a reconciliation.
However, when it comes to Charles' birthday, our royal expert believes an invitation should not necessarily be interpreted as a sign that the King and his youngest son have put their differences behind them.
She explained: "I would not read an invitation as a sign that the King is rebuilding bridges. The responsibility lies with Harry; too much damage has already been done in public, through the book, the Netflix series and other revelations.
"Any reconciliation now belongs behind closed doors. Until then, I expect Harry will keep his distance from public family occasions."
Windsor went on: "Ultimately, we don't know what conversations are taking place behind the scenes. Without evidence that it will happen, there is no reason to assume it won't. If it does happen, however, the best and most meaningful solution would be to keep it under wraps.
"Private family moments should remain just that: private."
Topics: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, King Charles III, Prince William, Royal Family
Rhianna Benson
