The King has returned to London to carry out official duties this week, while his youngest son Prince Harry prepares to enter the witness box at the High Court in a high-profile legal case.
Monarch's Official Engagements Continue
Charles attended a reception at Lancaster House on Wednesday morning in support of Indonesian conservation efforts, located next door to his Clarence House residence in the capital. The monarch, who had been in Scotland at the beginning of the week, conducted these engagements just two miles from where his son is due to begin giving evidence in person.
The King was joined by President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto for the event, with the pair scheduled to have an audience together afterwards at nearby St James's Palace. This marked a continuation of the monarch's official duties despite the parallel legal proceedings involving his son.
Harry's Legal Battle Proceeds
Prince Harry, along with Sir Elton John, his husband David Furnish, campaigner Baroness Doreen Lawrence, politician Sir Simon Hughes, and actresses Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley, are all bringing legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). The case centres on allegations of unlawful information gathering, including claims that information for articles was obtained through activities such as phone tapping and obtaining private records through deception.
The Duke of Sussex attended the opening of the trial on Monday and the start of proceedings on Tuesday, but was seen leaving the Royal Courts of Justice in London during the lunch break. His barrister, David Sherborne, stated that Harry feels he has "endured a sustained campaign of attacks against him" because he "had the temerity to stand up" to ANL.
No Expected Meeting Between Father and Son
Despite their geographical proximity in London this week, the King and Prince Harry are not expected to meet while the legal proceedings are underway. This follows the general principle that a sovereign should steer clear of any active legal cases. The decision comes despite the pair having re-established contact after a period of estrangement.
Harry was reunited with Charles for the first time in nineteen months during his last visit to the UK in September, when they shared afternoon tea at Clarence House. The duke described his father as "great" during that encounter, suggesting some improvement in their previously troubled relationship.
Sources indicate that Charles and Harry, now forty-one, are in regular contact despite their past difficulties. This ongoing communication represents a significant development in their relationship, which has been strained by various public disagreements and Harry's decision to step back from royal duties.
Conservation Focus of Royal Engagement
Before the King's arrival at Lancaster House, a roundtable discussion was staged to mobilise support for the conservation of Indonesia's biodiversity and landscapes. This included focus on the Peusangan Elephant Conservation Initiative (PECI), which aims to protect critically endangered Sumatran elephants and the forests they depend upon.
The talks were co-hosted by the UK's Minister for Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra and Indonesian special presidential envoy on energy and environment Hashim Djojohadikusumo, highlighting the international cooperation aspect of the conservation efforts.
Health and Security Context
The King's return to duties comes just over a month after he shared positive news about his health in a televised broadcast. Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, announced that his schedule of treatment was being reduced in the New Year, describing it as a "personal blessing".
Meanwhile, Prince Harry's legal challenges extend beyond the current case against ANL. In May, the duke gave an interview to the BBC in which he claimed the King would not speak to him because of his legal fight with the Home Office over security arrangements while in the UK. During that interview, Harry expressed uncertainty about "how much longer my father has" while describing his hopes for a "reconciliation".
This followed Harry losing a Court of Appeal challenge over his security arrangements while in Britain, adding another layer to the complex legal landscape surrounding the royal family members.
Associated Newspapers Limited has strongly denied any wrongdoing and is defending the claims brought against them by Harry and the other claimants. The case continues to draw significant public and media attention as it progresses through the High Court.
