Why King Charles Refuses to Reach Out to Prince Harry, Royal Expert Explains
The Duke of Sussex’s attempts to get back in touch with his father seem to have failed once more.
A royal expert believes that King Charles III’s silence in the face of Prince Harry’s recent remarks about their strained relationship is actually a deliberate and strategic move, part of a longstanding royal approach.
The Duke of Sussex recently revealed that King Charles III has not responded to his attempts to reach out since Harry’s significant legal loss over security arrangements in the UK on May 2. Christopher Andersen, a royal expert, offers some insight into why the King has remained silent, both publicly and privately, in response to his son’s remarks.
Andersen suggests there’s a strategic reason behind Charles’s silence, observing, “It really does seem like Charles is taking the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ motto to an entirely new level.” He emphasized that the King is simply adhering to a time-honored royal tradition of not drawing attention to family matters by commenting on them. The Palace, Andersen points out, is not inclined to back Harry’s statements.
Furthermore, Andersen notes that a public dispute with his son would be counterproductive for King Charles III, who already has a full plate of both personal and public responsibilities. In contrast, Harry has chosen a more outspoken approach, making waves with his recent sensational BBC News interview.
Harry went public, likely driven by the palace’s ongoing silence, according to a royal expert. “It must be incredibly frustrating for him, not even being able to get through to his father on the phone. It’s a classic Catch-22: as long as the Palace continues to ignore him, Harry may feel forced to escalate his public comments, hoping to break the silence,” the expert suggested.
Despite the tension, Harry has expressed a genuine desire to reconcile with the royal family. He emphasized that there’s no point in prolonging the conflict. He also mentioned his father, Charles, and his ongoing battle with cancer, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his father’s health.
Andersen comments, “If Harry truly wants to reconcile with his family, his actions suggest otherwise.” He believes Harry may genuinely want to heal the rift but feels his approach isn’t working.
While Harry has openly stated his desire to repair his relationship with the royal family, Andersen pointed out that he has also accused the palace of interfering in his legal battle. “Right now, I can’t see myself returning to the UK with Meghan Markle and our children, Archie and Lilibet,” the 40-year-old said, raising doubts about their concern for his family’s safety.
However, Harry’s call for reconciliation, especially in light of his father’s declining health, seems at odds with the sharp public statements he has made, as pointed out by Andersen.
In the same breath, Harry advocates for healing the family rift, but his harsh remarks appear contradictory to this plea, according to Andersen.
Meanwhile, Harry’s recent legal struggle with the UK government over security measures for his family during their visits to the country concluded on May 2. The court ruled that while Harry’s concerns about the risks they faced were valid, they did not constitute a legitimate legal case. His appeal, which centered on the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) committee’s decision to deny him automatic security, was dismissed. Harry argued that he was unfairly denied the level of protection granted to other senior royals, and that Ravec’s Risk Management Board (RMB) should have reviewed his situation, which it did not.
Despite acknowledging that the committee’s decision deviated from standard procedure, the judges upheld Ravec’s 2020 decision, citing the unique and complex nature of Harry’s circumstances.
Harry has reflected on how the changes to his security procedures have affected not only him but also his wife and children. He suggested that the decision may have been made to pressure the couple into returning to royal life, as authorities were aware of the risks involved in reducing protection back in 2020. “But now that you see that didn’t work, don’t you want to protect us? Despite all our differences, don’t you just want to ensure our safety, whether you’re my dad, the Royal Household, the government, or my family?” he questioned.
When asked if he missed being in the UK, Harry, father of two, responded, “I have a deep affection for the country despite feeling let down by some individuals within it.” He admitted the thought of never being able to properly introduce his children to the country he calls home was deeply distressing.
Harry further clarified that he would not pursue any additional legal action after the court’s ruling. He acknowledged that the court had affirmed the decision and concluded there was no realistic path to success through the legal system. He expressed surprise at the outcome and wished he had received clearer guidance at the beginning of the process.
“This, at the heart of it, is a family dispute, and it makes me really, really sad that we’re sitting here today, five years later, where a decision that was made most likely—no, I know—to keep us under the roof,” Harry said, reflecting on the emotional toll the situation has taken. He expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and the individuals who supported it, believing some might view it as a victory, particularly those with ill intentions toward him.
Despite his disappointment, Harry is already looking ahead. He called on Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to review the Ravec committee’s procedures and to step in on his security issue. Following the decision, he revealed that he had written to Cooper, requesting an immediate reconsideration of the case.
A spokesman from the Home Office responded, stating that the UK’s protective security system was robust and appropriate, and applauded the court’s ruling. “It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security,” the spokeswoman added. Buckingham Palace also denied Harry’s claim that the Royal Household was involved in the 2020 decision to reduce his security, emphasizing that the case had been carefully reviewed in court multiple times, with the same conclusion reached each time.
While the legal battle continues to unfold, the Sussexes remain focused on their family life. On May 6, 2025, Archie celebrated his sixth birthday in Montecito, California. Meghan shared a heartwarming photo on Instagram of their son watching the horizon, his small figure silhouetted by a stunning orange sunset over the water. The simple, serene moment captured the innocence and beauty of childhood.
Meghan’s caption read, “Our son. Our sun. Archie, happy sixth birthday! We appreciate all of your well wishes, prayers, and love for our darling child. He is six years old! What happened to the time? (And we would like to thank everyone who attended his celebration last weekend for making his birthday so very special ❤️).”
Though surrounded by family and friends, Harry was not present for Archie’s birthday. Instead, he was in Las Vegas, supporting the “Pledge to Invest” campaign launched by The Diana Award. The campaign, aimed at inspiring companies to support youth development, coincided with Archie’s birthday. The initiative marks the latest effort by The Diana Award, a nonprofit established in honor of Princess Diana, and both of her sons continue to support its mission.
Harry had missed previous birthdays, including last year, when he traveled to London for the coronation of his father, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla.
Two recipients of the prestigious Legacy Award, young changemakers Sikander ‘Sonny’ Khan and Christina Williams, who embody Princess Diana’s passion and vision, joined Prince Harry for an insightful conversation at the unveiling event with Dr. Tessy Ojo CBE, CEO of The Diana Award.
The discussion took place before an audience that included Paul Fipps, President of Global Customer Operations at ServiceNow, the host of the Knowledge 2025 event. The conversation focused on how companies can foster youth-led innovation and leadership by providing funding, mentorship, platforms, and long-term opportunities. Prior to the public conversation, Harry and Dr. Ojo held a private roundtable with over 20 prominent executives, donors, and social impact leaders, including Bill McDermott, CEO of ServiceNow. This meeting served as a platform to explore practical approaches to bridging the gap between grassroots movements and corporate influence.
Harry’s words were filled with conviction as he spoke about the importance of empowering the next generation. Reflecting on his late mother’s legacy, he emphasized the vital role of elevating young voices and the profound impact of seeing young people turn their adversities into catalysts for meaningful change. His impassioned speech underscored his long-standing commitment to The Diana Award and the youth it champions, leaving a mark on the event with his resolute dedication to shaping a better future.
“That’s not just inspiring — it’s the kind of untapped potential we can’t afford to overlook,” Harry stated passionately. In his remarks, he criticized current systems, emphasizing that too many young people are still excluded from leadership pipelines because of a lack of accessible and inclusive pathways.
Throughout the conversation, Harry challenged outdated perceptions about young people, pointing out that the current generation is already stepping into leadership roles, not waiting for permission or approval. His words highlighted the urgency of empowering youth and breaking down the barriers that hold back their potential.
He clarified that it’s their rejection of the status quo—combined with their emotional intelligence and social conscience—that sets them apart as extraordinary. “If we’re serious about a better future, we need to stop underestimating them and start listening,” he stated with conviction.
In a poignant moment, the Duke turned to fellow panelists Sikander and Christina, both young changemakers, and honored their leadership and unwavering principles. His heartfelt appreciation highlighted the remarkable impact they’re already having and served as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies in the next generation of leaders.
“This generation has more empathy than I’ve ever witnessed,” Harry exclaimed. “It’s the fearlessness, the truth, the honesty, the empathy, and the authenticity.”
“That is what we need,” he continued, praising their bravery in standing up for what’s right within their communities. “We require bold leadership. I thus salute you both and everything you stand for.” His words resonated deeply, acknowledging the power of young leaders who are already shaping the future with integrity and purpose.
Speaking directly to business executives, Christina and Sikander emphasized the critical role mentorship plays in shaping the future.
“Offering opportunities for education, upskilling, and professional mobility is not a charitable gesture. Doing this today will benefit you in the long run by ensuring that you have a skilled and competent generation to manage your businesses in a few decades,” Christina remarked.
Sikander added, “I want people to understand that all of us have been in that position, where we’ve been young people looking for a chance, and then somebody gave us that chance.” He continued, “When we get up, it’s our duty to help others up and make room for them. Being that mentor to younger people and trying to create that ripple effect is something I’ve tried to do every single day as a young person.”
The Diana Award continues the legacy of the late Princess Diana’s unwavering belief in the power of young people to make a difference, provided they receive the proper resources and support. Its mission is simple yet profound: to empower youth to lead revolutionary change. Through mentorship, anti-bullying programs, and changemaker projects, the organization works directly with young people in communities to help unleash their potential and ignite social action.
This approach goes beyond traditional leadership; it emphasizes building self-confidence, compassion, and a sense of voice, particularly for those who might otherwise go unheard.
The Diana Award’s success is rooted in collaboration. By working alongside young leaders and supportive partners, the organization crafts pathways that are both inclusive and adaptable to the evolving needs of today’s youth. Whether through long-term mentorship programs or impactful conversations that spark change, the award reaches individuals in ways that resonate deeply.
A committed team works tirelessly behind the scenes to bring Diana’s vision to life. Whether they are engaging directly with youth, collaborating with corporate partners, managing fundraising initiatives, or recognizing the achievements of young awardees, their motivation remains constant. Harry’s remarks at the charity’s recent launch event were not merely words, but a call to action. On a day when he was physically separated from Archie, his words reflected his deep connection to the future his son will one day inherit, reminding us all that real change starts now.
