Prince Harry was reportedly “in tears” after King Charles made a decision widely seen as deepening the rift within the royal family. The Duke of Sussex and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020, and tensions with the monarchy have persisted since.

Strains have also marked Harry’s relationship with his brother, Prince William. Once described by Princess Diana’s biographer Andrew Morton as “incredibly intimate,” the bond reportedly deteriorated after Harry’s memoir Spare. A source later said William “doesn’t even recognize” his younger brother anymore, adding that while he hopes for peace, “it’s hard.” The brothers appeared distant at King Charles’s coronation in 2023.

The latest controversy arose during Prince Harry’s 2024 visit to the UK, when he did not meet his father because the King had a “full programme.” Around the same time, King Charles appointed Prince William as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role many had expected to go to Harry, who served with the unit in Afghanistan. Royal author Tom Quinn claimed Harry was “in tears when he heard,” adding that the timing showed Harry “really is no longer welcome.”

Royal commentators noted that Harry relinquished honorary military roles when he left royal duties. Despite this, he has expressed hope for healing. In a 2025 interview, Harry said he would “love a reconciliation with my family,” adding, “There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious.”