Prince William and King Charles have reportedly seen their relationship plunge to "rock bottom" following a bitter row over Prince Harry's impending UK return, according to sources cited by The Mail on Sunday. The Prince of Wales allegedly locked horns with his father in a "frosty exchange" during last weekend's Trooping the Colour celebrations over the Duke of Sussex's explosive British homecoming.
Harry's Planned Return Sparks Tension
Rumours are reaching fever pitch that Harry is set to bring his entire family, including Archie and Lilibet, back to the UK next month for the first time in four years. While the trip offers Charles a chance to reunite with his estranged grandchildren, the monarch's peace offering of royal lodgings has allegedly left William furious. The Duke of Sussex is understood to have no communication with the Prince of Wales, following a series of explosive revelations in interviews and his memoir, Spare, after stepping back from the Royal Family in 2020.
Frosty Exchange at Trooping the Colour
The strain was reportedly palpable during last weekend's Trooping the Colour, when, according to a source, William was informed of the Sussexes' impending arrival merely hours before the main ceremony. One insider said: "Queen Camilla, King Charles, and the Princess of Wales were not outwardly warm together that day and the reason was not just the protesters. Relations were decidedly frosty backstage." Another source added: "So much of what they do is performative. But there was little performance on display that day."
William's Opposition and Charles' Desire for Reconciliation
William is said to have expressed that his father is making a "misjudgement" in attempting to mend fences with Harry. The Mail on Sunday reported that royal sources claimed the King's eagerness to meet Harry has created friction with William, who refuses to have any contact with his brother. Sources informed the publication that the "King's relationship with William is not in a good place" and that the pair is at a "very low ebb". The last time Harry is thought to have spoken with William was at the late Queen's funeral in September 2022.
Denials from Royal Insiders
However, others close to the monarch and the heir categorically refuted the allegations, asserting that the father and son's relationship remains "incredibly positive" and "unchanged". Despite the denials, the reports highlight ongoing tensions within the Royal Family as Harry's potential return draws near.
