Prince Harry has reportedly made a visit to Angola(Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)Prince Harry’s alleged peace offering to the Royal Family indicates he still considers himself part of the institution, despite his and Meghan Markle’s decision to step down from their Royal duties, according to a Royal expert.
This follows reports that the Duke of Sussex has proposed sharing his work schedule with the Firm to prevent any potential scheduling conflicts with high-profile appearances by other members, such as his father, King Charles.
Harry’s significant gesture comes in the wake of rumours about reconciliation discussions between the Sussexes and Royal aides. However, some Royal commentators suspect that two key members of the Firm may not be ready to forgive his past indiscretions.
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The Mail on Sunday reported that sources have revealed Harry is offering his diary to the Royal family to avoid another scheduling conflict.
This follows an incident where the Duke of Sussex’s trip to Angola, which mirrored his mother’s journey, overshadowed Queen Camilla’s 78th birthday celebrations.
The publication also suggested that this arrangement could even extend to Prince William’s court at Kensington Palace. Sources indicate that this move to “deconflict” their schedules could pave the way for a face-to-face meeting between Harry and King Charles.
As the prospect of reconciliation talks appears to be on the horizon, former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond has suggested that Prince Harry’s willingness to share his diary indicates a serious intent to heal the longstanding family rift.
Speaking to the Mirror, Jennie said: “If it’s true that Harry has agreed to share his diary, then it clearly is a concession that he acknowledges he is still part of the royal family and that – even to a very limited extent- they work best as a team.”
While some speculate that the sharing of diaries could be a move towards scheduling a potential reunion, Jennie clarified that the act is primarily about ensuring that important causes championed by both the Royal Family and the Sussexes receive their due attention.
Jennie explained: “As much as the royal family might protest that they don’t like publicity, there’s very little point in doing all the good work they do unless they can shine a spotlight on the causes they are trying to help. And that means publicity.
“Therefore, if one royal knocks the other off the headlines because of a diary clash, it is the charities or causes they are trying to highlight which suffer. Co-ordinating diaries makes logical sense.”
The Royal expert also speculated that “perhaps this reported move is a result of the recent meeting between the King’s and the Sussex’s teams. It would certainly make sense.”
While many Royal enthusiasts and pundits alike are hoping for a reconciliation between Prince Harry and his family, it’s doubtful that a reunion will erase the years of public spats that have put such a strain on the Firm. As Jennie Bond told the Mirror, if King Charles is open to meeting with his younger son, it will take time to mend the bridges.
Bond stated: “We know that Harry wants a reconciliation with his UK family. He has said so publicly. But it’s not something that can be done with a click of the fingers.
“There has been so much hurt and so much damage; that crucial element of trust has been lost after all Harry’s accusations and revelations. The road to reconciliation is not going to be an easy one.
“However, the meeting between officials from the two sides does suggest that there may now be a willingness to find a solution. Harry’s visit in September obviously offers an opportunity for a meeting with his father (there’s virtually no chance of William wanting to see him).
“We shall just have to wait to see whether both sides are willing to makeup after such a bitter row, and whether the King, always a very busy man, is available.”