As King Charles battles cancer, he has reportedly been advised to limit interactions with his estranged son, Prince Harry, to help keep his stress levels manageable. Royal expert and author Robert Hardman, known for his book The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy, shared this recommendation, suggesting that now may not be the ideal time for the King to reconnect with Harry, despite the younger royal’s attempts to reach out.
Speaking with Fox News Digital, Hardman explained the reasoning behind this sensitive request. “I know people keep saying, ‘Why doesn’t he see Harry when he is in town? Why can’t they patch things up?’ But right now, there is a sense that we’ve just got to keep the King’s stress levels down,” he revealed. “We don’t want him to have extra things to worry about. Let’s get through this… There is a sense that now is probably not the time.”
Reports indicate that King Charles has not responded to Harry’s recent phone calls or letters, which has left some royal watchers speculating about the state of their relationship. While many hope for reconciliation, Hardman’s comments imply that both the King’s health and emotional well-being are being prioritized for the moment.
According to Hardman, it’s not just a matter of avoiding tension; it’s about managing the complexity of the situation. “If you listen to what Harry has said in his TV series, in his book, in interviews — there’s a lot to unpack. There are a lot of things he wants to get sorted out, to go through, to process,” Hardman explained. He emphasized that while King Charles might be open to reconciliation in the future, “right now, there’s a sense that it’s not the time. But I’m sure the King would like to normalize things.”
The relationship between King Charles and Prince Harry has been fraught with strain in recent years. Since stepping down from royal duties and moving to California with his wife Meghan Markle, Harry has publicly discussed his grievances with the monarchy. His revelations, particularly those in his memoir and Netflix docuseries, have highlighted unresolved family issues, making the prospect of a quick reunion challenging.
As the King faces a serious health battle, close advisors and medical professionals are urging caution, suggesting that additional family pressures might negatively impact his recovery. The advice to limit communication with Harry is likely rooted in a desire to protect the King’s well-being, especially during such a crucial period.
Nevertheless, Hardman’s insights leave the door open for possible future reconciliation between father and son. While the immediate focus remains on Charles’ health, there is still hope that once the King’s condition stabilizes, he may consider re-establishing contact with Harry and working towards mending their relationship.