Kate's illness put Harry's 'utterly trivial' and 'pathetic' issues into context, says royal expert
With Prince Harry set to return to the UK alone on Tuesday, he is expected to spend a period of time with his father, King Charles, but not see his brother, the Prince of Wales, as "now is not the time".
While Harry's return to mark the 10 year anniversary of the Invictus Games is a celebration, a leading royal expert has pointed out why the current situation the Royal Family faces will have put Harry's "perceived grievances" into perspective.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: "I’m certain Harry will see his father during his stay. If he doesn’t, then we can deduce that their relationship is terminally damaged and I don’t think that’s the case.
"In a sensible world, Harry would stay with his dad at Clarence House - they could have cosy chats in perfect privacy and with all the security Harry wants. But, for whatever reason, that may not happen. I’m sure, though, that they will try to meet for longer than the half an hour or so during his flying visit after the King’s diagnosis."
Reflecting on the position of the estranged brothers, Jennie describes their relation ship as 'terminally damaged.'
She said: "As regards to William, that does appear to be a terminally damaged relationship. In a way, it seems the boot is now very much on the other foot. Previously it was Harry who was the 'victim' looking for an apology for all his perceived grievances.
"Now those grievances must seem utterly trivial, even to Harry, in the face of a very real problem: cancer. Catherine and William are involved in a frightening fight and I don’t think they have the will or the strength to confront someone, even a brother, who picked a fight over issues that seem pathetic by comparison.
"William is doing everything he possibly can to protect his wife and I very much doubt that they want to deal with 'the Harry problem' right now, if ever."
Harry will be in the UK until Thursday where he will fly directly to Nigeria to reunite with the Duchess of Sussex as they have been invited to visit the country. While there, they are expected to meet military staff during the trip, which is linked to the Invictus Games.
Jennie's comments come after The Mirror reported that while the Duke of Sussex will manage to fit in a meeting with his father on his return to London, he is not expected to see his brother, the Prince of Wales, despite wishing to, as "now is not the time.”
A source told the publication: "Their relationship remains extremely fractured. Harry has privately expressed a wish to sit down with his brother but now is not the time.”
A source told the paper: “Harry has kept in regular contact with his father on several occasions and made no secret of his desire to see him when he can. He has been especially concerned about him and hopes the King will be well and able to see him as planned.”
