Publicity shy Prince Harry did not meet his father last week when he was in London, before the King jetted off on a state visit to Italy and sources say their rift has widened
The King and Harry in happier times(Image: Getty Images)
The King’s current relationship with his publicity shy son has been summed up in three brutal words – “they are distant”.
Prince Harry’s letters and calls to his father have gone unanswered and he has also been left in the dark about Charles’s current condition, sources have said
The Duke of Sussex, 40, only learnt of his dad’s recent hospital stay for side-effects of his cancer treatment through the media, People magazine reported.
A source told the US publication: “I don’t think there is any rapprochement.” Another added: “They are distant.”
Harry was in London last week as he appealed to regain his 24-hour taxpayer-funded security, removed after he left the Royal family.
Harry was in London last week to appeal the decision to removed his taxpayer-funded protection(Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publis)
In damaging claims which appear to confirm the deepening rift between Harry and the King, he argued that secret evidence heard on Wednesday confirmed it was removed in a plot to stop him leaving The Firm.
And the duke did not meet his father before the King left on his state visit to Italy.
People magazine reported that the divide between the pair has widened, with their last face-to-face meeting taking place in February 2024 after Charles announced his cancer diagnosis.
The King did not meet his youngest son before his state visit to Italy(Image: Getty Images)
Harry’s calls and letters have gone unanswered and the King is reportedly keeping his distance to avoid being drawn into discussions about security, sources close to Harry believe.
What was said in the closed hearing last week cannot be revealed, but it is understood to relate to specific confidential security arrangements.
The duke, who is awaiting the outcome of his appeal, told The Telegraph “people would be shocked by what’s being held back” after some evidence was heard in private.
Sources say the rift between the pair has widened(Image: PA)
Harry claimed his taxpayer-funded police protection was withdrawn in a failed bid to force him and the Duchess of Sussex to stay in the UK.
Ravec’s decision in 2020 stated that Metropolitan Police protection would no longer be appropriate after the Sussexes’ departure, and that they should receive a different degree of protection when in the UK.
The Sussexes receive a “bespoke” security service, whereby they are required to give 30 days’ notice of any plans to travel to the UK, with each visit being assessed for threat levels and whether protection is needed.
Shaheed Fatima KC, who represents 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 declined to comment, as did the Office for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.