This article has been updated since its original publication date to include new info
With King Charles undergoing treatment for his recent cancer diagnosis and Kate Middleton still recovering from her abdominal surgery, the royal family may be looking to call in reinforcements.
Duke of Sussex and ex-royal, Prince Harry, reportedly wanted to put himself forward to step in and help his father out in his time of need; however, palace aides have reportedly made it clear that nobody – King Charles and Prince William included – want that to happen. So what does this mean for Prince Harry’s future with his family and the monarchy?
Prince Harry Reportedly Wanted To Step In To Save The Day
According to sources reporting to The Times, Prince Harry told friends that he would be willing to temporarily resume the royal duties he left behind four years ago, when he and his wife, Meghan Markle, left the U.K. and their royal status and headed for a new life in America.
Earlier this month, a royal insider reportedly said: "On all practical levels, it makes perfect sense for the family to come together to support the King while he's sick." The insider added: "Much has been said on both sides in recent years, but that has never diminished the fundamental bond of blood, and there are now pragmatic aspects to consider, with the King and Kate's wellbeing paramount in this."
However, more sources have come forward to shut down the speculation that Prince Harry could return to royal duties, albeit temporarily. And a lot of that has to do with older brother, Prince William.
Prince William 'Would Not Allow' Prince Harry To Return
Royal sources claim that "nothing has changed" between Prince William and Prince Harry, and their feud is very much still ongoing. Therefore, as a result of their feud still being unresolved, the Prince of Wales, 41, reportedly "would not allow" his brother to "breeze back into the family" – especially because he believes his brother and sister-in-law Meghan "can't be trusted."
According to The Mirror, a royal source claimed Prince William made it "absolutely and categorically clear" that he would not allow his brother to return to royal duties, even on a temporary basis to help their father out. We assume a lot of this is down to what Prince Harry, 39, has said about the royal family in his bombshell memoir Spare, as well as what he and Meghan said in their controversial Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan.
"He thought it was a bad idea at the time and he's even more clear now. If anyone is going to take on more duties it will be William and that isn't even on the agenda for now," said the source. "His main focus is on his father's health, his family and what is best for the monarchy. There is a zero percent chance Harry is coming back in any capacity."
Royal commentator Helena Chard reportedly told Fox News that Prince William is first and foremost thinking about his wife in all this, as Prince Harry criticized Kate Middleton, 42, several times in his book.
"Prince William is also hugely protective of Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and will not let anything interfere with her recuperation," Chard stated. She then went on to suggest that Prince Harry could have ulterior motives for wanting to temporarily step back into royal duties – and that could be something Prince William could also be picking up on.
"I don't believe Prince Harry is truly interested in supporting the British royal family, but his currency is the royal family," Chard shared. "It's in his interest to keep associated with them. The British monarchy continues to represent continuity, stability and pride. I feel Prince Harry must redeem himself in the eyes of the royal family and the public if he hopes for true reconciliation," she added.
