‘Situation nobody wants’: Grim Prince Harry truth

Nearly five years on from the drama of his royal exit, Prince Harry is facing another huge problem back in the UK.

IN LONDON

Prince Harry’s reported attempts to reach a peaceful resolution with King Charles have an extra layer of “complexity”, leading to a “situation nobody wants”, it’s been claimed.

The monarch and his son’s relationship has been rocky in recent years, but the pair have remained on speaking terms – unlike the Duke of Sussex and his brother, Prince William.

And according to royal author and historian, Robert Hardman, the King is struggling to fully make amends with Harry as it needs to be “done in tandem with both brothers, not just one”.

Hardman has just released an updated version of his biography, Charles III, New King, New Court, which features a number of new details about recent royal events.

“[Charles] can’t have unilateral discussions if William isn’t in agreement,” Hardman told the Daily Beast, explaining that he can’t leave William to inherit an agreement with Harry that he’s uncomfortable with.

“Exactly. Whatever reconciliation or bridge-building happens, it needs to be a three-way process. People keep asking about the king’s feelings, but William also has to be on board, which adds complexity,” he said.

“It’s tricky, and a situation nobody wants. But whatever the way forward is, it has to work for everybody.”

Harry is estranged from William and Catherine. (The trio seen here in 2016). Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

William and Harry have had no contact for many months, and reportedly didn’t even exchange a word to each other despite both attending their uncle’s funeral in England in August.

However, Hardman told the publication he remained somewhat optimistic about what may unfold between them in the future.

“All things are possible; never say never,” Hardman said.

“The bond between the brothers historically runs deep. While we don’t see the full picture, we know they’re both very private.

“Some might wonder why Harry wrote a book [his memoir] if he values privacy, but there’s still much they keep private. This is why William was upset by the book — not because of specific depictions, but because of the breach of trust.”

The King’s relationship with Harry is complicated. Picture: Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The duke is in a legal battle with the UK Home Office. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

A significant new claim regarding the well-publicised royal rift was also unearthed in the updated version of Hardman’s book, with the author alleging that the King was reluctant to meet up with Harry due to a “concern” about being inadvertently dragged into the duke’s ongoing legal battle with the UK government over his security status.

“The legal aspect is not just a handy pretext — it’s a real concern,” Hardman told the publication.

“If Harry were to interpret a simple ‘Best wishes’ from his father as an endorsement of his case [around whether he should have personal security], that could put the king in an awkward position as regards his government.

“People might say, ‘Why can’t they just sit down and talk?’ but legally, it’s much more complicated.”

The new development comes as William made an uncharacteristically candid remark about the family’s recent health challenges, with both his wife Kate and father having to undergo treatment for cancer.

Speaking during a trip to South Africa for his Earthshot Prize Awards, the Prince of Wales confirmed the past year had been “brutal”.

“Honestly? It’s been dreadful,” he told members of the press.

“It’s probably been the hardest year in my life.”

But William insisted he just had to “crack on” with life.

“So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.

“But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for ­handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”