Reports indicate that King Charles is not responding to Prince Harry’s phone calls, and one royal author suggests it’s understandable.
“When Harry labeled his stepmother Camilla a ‘villain’ in his memoir and disclosed that both he and William initially pleaded with their father not to marry her, he violated what Charles considers a serious transgression,” Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” shared with Fox News Digital.
“In royal circles, dismissing Camilla is unacceptable – and no one, not even a king’s son, can escape the consequences,” Andersen cautioned.
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King Charles III is reportedly ignoring Prince Harry’s calls and correspondence. (Loic Venance/AFP via Getty Images)
“When Harry labeled his stepmother Camilla a ‘villain’ in his memoir and disclosed that both he and William initially pleaded with their father not to marry her, he violated what Charles considers a serious transgression.”
Andersen’s comments followed a report from People magazine about the deepening estrangement between the Duke of Sussex and the King, who is dealing with an undisclosed type of cancer.
The outlet noted that the father-son duo had “a positive meeting” in February, but their communication has since deteriorated. Sources close to Harry, 39, indicated that the 75-year-old monarch hasn’t responded to Harry’s calls or letters.
“He receives an ‘unavailable right now’ message,” a friend disclosed to the outlet. “His attempts to reach out about the king’s health have gone unanswered, as well.”
King Charles was diagnosed with cancer shortly after treatment for an enlarged prostate. (Getty Images)
The friend expressed there has been “complete silence” from the king.
Sources also revealed that Harry’s brother, Prince William, has sided with their father, making reconciliation seem “distant at best.” Some palace insiders claimed that Harry’s memoir “Spare” and his public statements have “undermined the family’s trust in him.”
Those close to Harry have insisted that if he had proper security, which he lost after stepping back as a senior royal in 2020, there would be no need to publicly address these issues.
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Prince Harry’s friend claimed to People magazine that there has been “complete silence” from the king. (Matt Dunham – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Harry’s associate mentioned that once the security issue is settled, it’s “swords down.”
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace has not yet replied to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Andersen expressed that Harry’s tell-all memoir, released in 2023, significantly hurt his father.
“I think Charles could forgive Harry for some of his disruptions – including stepping back from the monarchy, criticizing his brother William for bullying, and seeking royal protection for visits to the U.K. But the king finds it tough to forgive Harry for what he perceives as unwarranted criticisms directed at his cherished Queen Camilla.”
Prince Harry’s revealing memoir “Spare” was published in January 2023. (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)
“This remains a nagging issue for the king,” Andersen noted.
In promotions for “Spare,” Harry accused his stepmother of leaking private discussions to the press for her own gain. He further alleged that some royal family members had colluded with the media to secure favorable coverage, specifically highlighting Camilla’s efforts to improve her public image following her long-standing affair with his father.
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“This created a dangerous situation due to the connections she was forming within the British press,” he told CBS. “There was a mutual readiness to exchange information. Within a family built on hierarchy, with her destined to become queen consort, there would be people harmed in the process.”
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In “Spare,” Prince Harry revealed that both he and his brother begged their father not to wed Camilla. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
The allegations regarding Camilla are particularly sensitive due to her role in the tumultuous end of Charles’ marriage to the late Princess Diana, the mother of William and Harry.
Diana once referred to Camilla, who had a long-term affair with Charles, as the third party in their marriage. Although many in the public initially rejected Camilla, she has gained support through her engagement in various charitable causes and has been credited with modernizing Charles’ image.
“Harry is, of course, deeply worried about his father’s struggle with cancer, and he undoubtedly wishes to reach out to the king more often,” Andersen remarked. “However, Camilla and other members of Charles’ close circle have persuaded the king that it’s not in his best interests to become embroiled once more in the ‘Harry and Meghan saga.’ They want him to concentrate on restoring his health.”
Queen Camilla has remained by the king’s side as he continues undergoing cancer treatment. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard speculated whether palace aides might be intervening to alleviate stress for the king during his treatment.
“King Charles doesn’t have a mobile phone,” Chard mentioned. “Perhaps his staff have been filtering Prince Harry’s calls, as he brings unnecessary anxiety and drama into the royal family’s life.”
“Without significant family insights, Harry won’t have material for interviews,” Chard asserted. “Hence, it seems logical that the king and his family might prefer to curtail communication… Harry ought to find a way to approach things pragmatically and heed advice from those who genuinely want the best for him and his family.”
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Meghan Markle, an American actress, became the Duchess of Sussex when she wed Prince Harry in 2018. (Aaron Chown/Getty Images)
Harry’s relationship with his family has been tense, and he has rarely seen his father since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. At that time, the couple cited unbearable intrusion and the British press’s racist attitudes as reasons for their departure from royal life. The father of two has since shared insights into his tumultuous relationship with his family through TV appearances, a documentary, and his memoir.
Harry’s ongoing legal battle for security began more than four years ago. He contends that he and his family face danger during visits to the UK due to hostility towards him and his wife. Harry has emphasized the aggressive pursuit of their family by the British media.
In response, a government attorney stated that Harry has received fair treatment and is still granted protection during some visits. The attorney referenced a security detail that accompanied the prince in June 2021 during a harrowing encounter with photographers after he attended an event for critically ill children in London.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex lost their security following their decision to step back as senior royals in 2020. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
In February, High Court Judge Peter Lane ruled that the executive committee’s decision, which allows for “bespoke” security when necessary, was legitimate and not open to challenge.
This ruling came from the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, consisting of royal familial staff, the Metropolitan Police, and various government representatives.
A friend of Harry’s revealed to People magazine that nothing would bring him “more joy than reigniting his bond with his father.”
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Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battle surrounding his security continues. (Getty Images)
“Ultimately, bloodlines can’t be changed,” the friend noted to the outlet. “He’s not requesting a nicer home or lavish cars. He’s inquiring due to the reality of the peril he faces.”
“It’s possible that reconciliation with his father will occur one day,” royal expert Hilary Fordwich remarked to Fox News Digital.
“No father desires to alienate a son,” she asserted. “The king feels more disappointment than anger and prefers focusing on pressing matters.”
King Charles III is reportedly “saddened” by his troubled relationship with Prince Harry. (Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)
“He has never truly quarreled with Harry; he is predominantly troubled,” Fordwich stated. “The king is not pleased with how things have unfolded with Harry.”
However, discussions about mending fences between father and son may not materialize in the near future. Reports from People magazine noted that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not invited to join the remaining royal family at Balmoral Castle, their summer retreat in Scotland.
The king is maintaining Queen Elizabeth’s tradition of spending time at the estate during late summer, where other royal family members are expected to convene.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are seen attending a church service with the royal family around 2017. It has been reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not invited to Balmoral Castle this year.(Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not visited the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, since the late queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, amidst the ongoing divide, the outlet reported. The couple has since built a new life in California.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
