Harry and Eugenie with siblings Prince William and Princess Beatrice(Image: WireImage)Prince Harry‘s reported strained ties with King Charles and Prince William have been a topic of much discussion, yet it appears his bond with younger cousin Princess Eugenie has remained strong. The princess was notably the only royal to feature in Harry and Meghan’s controversial Netflix documentary.
She is also presumed to be the sole family member to have visited their home in California. However recently there was speculation that their closeness had diminished following an encounter between Princess Eugenie and broadcaster Piers Morgan, who has openly criticised the Sussexes.
It was after this meeting that Piers claimed that seeing photos of himself and Eugenie caused Harry to become “completely ballistic,” reports the Mirror.
Contesting this narrative, an individual claiming to be near Harry has dismissed any rift between the cousins to People magazine, asserting: “The Duke remains close to Princess Eugenie. They always have and always will be.”
Adding depth to their relationship is the fact that Eugenie’s children, August and Ernest, are around the same age as Harry’s kids, Archie and Lilibet.
Prince Harry was said to have gone ‘completely ballistic’ over the meeting(Image: AFP via Getty Images)When it comes to Harry’s connection with his father, details suggest a more troubled interaction, with reports indicating a lack of communication despite attempts from Harry through letters and phone calls.
According to People magazine, Prince Harry was kept in the dark about his father’s recent hospital stay due to side effects from cancer treatment. A source told the US publication: “I don’t think there is any rapprochement”, with another adding: “They are distant.”
Prince Harry was in London last week to appeal against the dismissal of his High Court claim against the Home Office over a decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different level of protection while in the UK. However, he did not meet with his father before the King embarked on his state visit to Italy.
People magazine reported that the rift between the father and son has deepened, with their last face-to-face meeting occurring in February 2024 after Charles announced his cancer diagnosis. It is believed that Harry’s attempts to reach out through calls and letters have been ignored, and sources close to Harry believe the King is maintaining his distance to avoid discussions about security.
The Duke, who is currently awaiting the result of his appeal, revealed to The Telegraph that “people would be shocked by what’s being held back” following some evidence being heard privately. He alleged that his taxpayer-funded police protection was withdrawn in a failed attempt to force him and the Duchess of Sussex to remain in the UK.
Ravec’s 2020 decision stated that Metropolitan Police protection would no longer be suitable after the Sussexes’ departure and they should receive a different level of protection when in the UK.
The Sussexes are provided with a “bespoke” security service, which requires them to give 30 days notice of any plans to travel to the UK. Each visit is then assessed for threat levels and whether protection is necessary.
Shaheed Fatima KC, representing Harry, told the appeal hearing that the Duke had been “singled out for different, unjustified and inferior treatment”, adding that Harry “does not accept that ‘bespoke’ means ‘better'”. Buckingham Palace chose not to comment, as did the Office for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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