King Charles and Prince Harry aren’t on the best of terms. The strained relationship between the father and son worsened as soon as Harry left the Royal Family, and when he released his book Spare, things certainly didn’t improve. However, the two reportedly met in the UK a few weeks ago — and King Charles gave his youngest son an ultimatum about the future.
It shocked many when Prince Harry chose to leave royal life behind. He had married Meghan Markle just years earlier, and many believed he was turning his back on his country by stepping away.
The relationship with the Royal Family — and with many members of the public — didn’t improve when the couple later gave an explosive interview to Oprah Winfrey.
Meanwhile, some felt that publishing Spare only made matters worse. Still, others believe Harry made a healthy choice, considering the chaos his late mother, Princess Diana, endured during her time.
Since moving to the US, Harry’s relationship with both his brother, Prince William, and his father, King Charles, has reportedly remained frosty.
Earlier this month, however, something unexpected happened when Harry traveled back to the UK to attend the WellChild Awards, as the estranged prince and King Charles reunited for the first time in 19 months.
King Charles hands Prince Harry ‘ultimatum’
Rumors have since swirled about whether a reconciliation might be possible. But there is good reason to hold off on celebrating. According to The Times, Charles is said to have sent a clear message to his son — in fact, an ultimatum.
“The King has been absolutely clear in upholding his late mother’s decision that there can be no ‘half‑in, half‑out’ public role for members of the family,” a source told the newspaper.
There has been speculation that Harry might want to return in a smaller capacity within the Royal Family. But according to the source, Charles is not willing to give him special treatment, in line with the late Queen Elizabeth’s stance.
Under royal protocol, members of the family may not receive payment for work unrelated to royal duties. This would mean Harry would have to end his work with Netflix and Spotify, for example.
There has been speculation that the Netflix and Spotify deals have earned Harry and Meghan millions. However, a spokesperson for Harry has told the media that he is not seeking any special arrangement.
“The duke has made it clear that the focus has to be on his dad,” the spokesperson said. “Beyond that, and on any other issues as it relates to his family, we won’t be commenting.”
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