The rift between Prince Harry and the royal family shows no signs of abating, with the Duke of Sussex reportedly awaiting an apology for the treatment he and his wife Meghan Markle faced within the palace. However, the royal family seems perplexed by this expectation, given the couple's public criticism of the institution.

Royal historian Gareth Russell told a news outlet on May 9 that Prince Harry believes he is owed an "unequivocal apology," but the royal family doesn't appear to think he is entitled to one. According to Russell, the royals don't see the situation as entirely one-sided and thus do not believe Harry merits an outright apology.

The relationship between Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, and the royal family has deteriorated significantly since they stepped back from their senior royal duties in 2020. The couple has been candid about their experiences, including Meghan's struggles with mental health and their difficulties with the royals, in a tell-all interview and a 2022 Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan.

These revelations, along with Harry's claims in his memoir, Spare, that Prince William was once violent with him during a fight, have angered the royal family.

Despite the ongoing tensions, Prince Harry returned to the UK last weekend to attend his father King Charles III's coronation on Saturday, May 6. However, instead of marking a turning point for reconciliation between Harry and his family, Russell described the event as a "pause of intentions rather than a resolution."

Prince Harry didn't linger in the UK for any possible reconciliation efforts, as he left for London's Heathrow Airport shortly after the service concluded. He was eager to return to his wife and children in time for his eldest son Archie's 4th birthday, which coincided with the coronation day.

As the standoff between Prince Harry and the royal family continues, it remains unclear whether an apology will be forthcoming or if the rift can be mended anytime soon.