Prince Harry's UK Visit for King Charles' Coronation Unlikely to Bring Family Reconciliation: Expert Insight
Prince Harry is not expected to mend ties with his family during his upcoming visit to the UK for his father King Charles' coronation, according to a royal correspondent.
Omid Scobie, co-author of the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle biography "Finding Freedom," shared with Entertainment Tonight that the Duke of Sussex's trip to London for the Saturday crowning event would be brief, and no private meetings with royal family members are anticipated.
Scobie explained, "People around him are working as hard as they can to find the quickest way into the country and the quickest way out." He added, "He's really only coming here for the ceremony, so any hopes for reconciliatory moments or private heart-to-heart between father and son or any of his family members, I think they'll be waiting for another time."
Despite the lack of a formal role in the ceremony, Scobie emphasized the importance of Prince Harry's attendance at the event.
"He's the son of King Charles III, a man who he still respects and has a great adoration for despite the fractures in their relationship," Scobie stated. "But he's also fifth in line to the throne and a Counselor of State. So, it's important for him to be here in a constitutional position, regardless of how he feels about his family."
The royal correspondent said that sources close to the prince informed him that Prince Harry "is looking forward to being a part of this moment despite things of the past that have happened."
Scobie also revealed that Prince Harry has had several discussions with his father since the release of his explosive memoir, "Spare," in January, covering topics such as the coronation and matters pertaining to Frogmore Cottage, the former UK residence of Prince Harry and Markle. The King reportedly asked the couple to vacate the cottage to lend it to his younger brother, Prince Andrew.
However, Scobie told ET that the relationship between Prince Harry and his older brother, Prince William, remains strained, with the brothers reportedly still not speaking.
"It's been stone-cold silence between the two brothers and that's continued since the queen's funeral through the release of the Netflix series, the book, and, of course, now this trip to London," Scobie said of the current status between the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, adding, "and I don't think things will change."
Entertainment Times has not independently confirmed the information.
Nick Bullen, editor-in-chief of True Royalty TV, previously informed Us Weekly that there has been no progress in Prince Harry and Prince William's relationship since the publication of the former's controversial book, which detailed, among other things, a physical altercation between the siblings.
"My understanding is there have been no discussions between Harry and William. That is absolutely radio silence," he claimed. "It's a very big void."
Prince Harry will join his family at King Charles' coronation in Westminster Abbey on Saturday, but he is expected to be seated several rows behind the senior royals.