Prince Harry is preparing to return to the UK for a significant meeting with his father, King Charles III. However, reports indicate that his visit involves a few particular requests, which have left those in the royal household quite taken aback.
Next week, the 40-year-old duke is anticipated to arrive in London, primarily for the WellChild Awards, a cause he has championed for many years. This visit could also mark a reunion with King Charles, a father-son meeting that is highly anticipated, given they haven’t seen each other since January last year. Within that time, King Charles has bravely battled cancer.
Renowned royal and celebrity journalist, Rob Shuter, has shared insights that Harry has set forth three uncompromising conditions before agreeing to meet his 76-year-old father.
Harry’s “List of Demands” Explained
Shuter, in his recent publication, described Harry’s list as “astonishing and bold,” sparking disbelief and surprise among the palace staff.
The first item on Harry’s list is comprehensive security coverage for himself, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four. He urges that this protection be provided by the King, despite having lost a legal case seeking taxpayer-funded security.
Harry’s second request is for Buckingham Palace to handle the media and paparazzi interactions during his stay.
An insider revealed to Shuter, “Harry wants absolute assurance—there can be no ambiguity. His security and privacy must be guaranteed.”
The third, and possibly most contentious, of Harry’s demands is for Meghan to be recognized formally as Her Royal Highness, including receiving bows and curtsies from family members, despite no longer being a working royal since their exit in 2020.
“Harry insists that Meghan should be treated with full traditional respect,” a source disclosed. “He’s considering reconciliation, but he expects this to be reciprocated by the royal family’s visible acknowledgment of Meghan as HRH.”
Behind-The-Scenes Negotiations
The propositions come at a time when Harry’s representatives have been spotted in secretive “peace negotiations” with the King’s communications personnel in London.
Among those attending were Tobyn Andrae, the King’s communications secretary; Meredith Maines, Harry’s public relations representative based in the United States; and Liam Maguire, responsible for the Sussexes’ media activities in the UK.
According to a royal insider quoted by The Mirror, “This is a pivotal moment where true reconciliation seems feasible. Both Harry’s team and the palace are communicating, with hopes that father and son will reunite during Harry’s visit to London in September. While maintaining privacy and dignity is crucial, keeping the avenue for future discussions open is also key.”
William’s Reluctance
Even though King Charles seems receptive to the idea of meeting with Harry, Prince William appears opposed to the notion.
The last encounter between the brothers was at Lord Robert Fellowes’ funeral in August 2024. Reports suggest that William has steadfastly “rejected any proposal for reconciliation.”
A confidant of the 43-year-old Prince of Wales mentioned to The Daily Beast, “William dutifully honors his father’s leadership as a loyal supporter and understands his father’s choices, but he quietly believes that meeting Harry could be a grave mistake.”
