As Prince William continues to prepare for his future role as king, his vision for the British monarchy is becoming increasingly focused on transformative changes. Estranged from his brother and with both his father and wife diagnosed with undisclosed forms of cancer, the heir to the throne is one of the few senior royals left performing public-facing duties. He is now tasked with steering the monarchy through an unusual period, all under an intense public spotlight.

 

Unlike politicians and governments, who are at the mercy of voters, the monarchy remains a permanent fixture in British life and has more time to figure out a plan to weather these storms. Commentators suggest that William and Catherine currently have the public’s sympathy, and the prince can rely on a level of understanding from the public that he might not be working at full capacity while he takes care of his family.

Traditionally, this task would have fallen to Prince Harry, but as a non-working royal, he cannot fulfill that role. For those still hoping that Harry and his wife, Meghan, might somehow reconcile with the British royal family, those wishes seem unlikely to be fulfilled. When asked if there was an element of revenge in King Charles III’s decision to evict the Sussex family from Frogmore Cottage in June 2023, sources close to the situation replied, “The evidence is there for everyone to see.” The eviction meant Harry lost access to the home that would have made it easier for him to return regularly.

Given Prince Harry’s current strained relationship with his family, it’s hard to imagine he would be keen on taking any royal responsibilities. In his absence, Princess Anne is the most likely candidate to take on additional duties. Charles, however, may be hesitant to break with tradition and assign the task to his sister, the Princess Royal, despite her long-standing support for the family. This is a decision that must be made soon, as it would require an act of Parliament to be executed.

Then there is the delicate matter of Prince Harry’s relationship with Queen Camilla. Harry famously stated that she had “left bodies in the street” as she ascended in prominence within the royal family. Sources close to the family reveal that Camilla is deeply anxious about her position and what it could mean for her future with the monarchy. Her concerns have been heightened by whispers of potential changes in royal protocol and the possible redefinition of her role once William becomes king. As consort to the monarch, Camilla’s status has always been one of support and dignity, but the changing tides have raised questions about her place in the new era of royal governance.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry reportedly wishes to reconcile with King Charles, particularly in light of Charles’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, when details of a private phone call from Harry to his father, marking Charles’s 75th birthday, were leaked to the media, royal relations suffered another setback. Still, judging by the warm message King Charles sent today, it seems he may be offering Harry another chance. The ongoing conflict between them is fueled in part by Harry’s belief that his father has the power to overturn the decision to strip him of royal protection when traveling to the UK—a power Charles insists he does not possess, according to Palace sources.

Although many believe the situation with the Sussexes was mishandled by those in charge, Buckingham Palace seems to prefer that Harry and Meghan quietly retire into obscurity. But that scenario seems unlikely. As private citizens, they cannot be banned from going anywhere or living how they choose. For now, sources report that Harry’s calls and letters to his father have gone unanswered.

Despite the rifts, as various social media posts today reflect, hope springs eternal. “The UK is Harry’s home; it’s where he grew up, where his family and friends are, and where many of his interests lie,” someone close to him told the press. The sense is that there is some desire for reconciliation, but it will take time and patience. As one royal watcher put it, “Let’s just say there’s hope for a more positive conversation in the future.”