Prince Harry’s potential return to the royal fold hinges on a public statement expressing regret over his actions in recent years. In an interview with the New York Post, King Charles’ former butler, Grant Harrold, claimed that the Duke of Sussex could only find his way back to the royal family under this condition.
Harrold emphasized that while Harry might be welcomed back if he issued a public apology, the nature of his relationships within the family, particularly with Prince William, would never be the same. “Reconciliation is possible, but the dynamics have changed irreversibly,” Harrold explained. “A public apology would be a significant step, but it wouldn’t erase the past or mend all the rifts.”
“The only way I see this happening is a public statement from Harry, where you come out and say that you were in a bad space and that [Spare] was a mistake,” shared Harrold with the outlet. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. Some bad things were said, and some families never patch things up, and that’s how it is forevermore,” he said, adding that Harry “will regret” the things he wrote in his book.
“Harry has got a big heart, and a part of him probably wishes things would be different,” the former palace staff explained. Reflecting on the current state of the relationship between the royal brothers, Harrold noted: “[Harry] caused damage and broke down trust.
“It’s difficult when you’re a future monarch,” he explained. “I doubt they’ll ever get back the relationship they had originally. That was a very different relationship built on trust,” he said, adding that “too much damage” has already been done. “It’s going to take time. William is a tough character. He’s a good guy.”
Harry’s strained relationships with his family have been a topic of much speculation since he and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the United States. The couple’s subsequent interviews and public statements have further strained ties with the royal family.
Despite the tensions, there have been moments suggesting a potential for reconciliation. Harrold noted that King Charles has always emphasized the importance of family unity and might be open to Harry’s return if he shows genuine remorse. “King Charles has always valued family above all else. A heartfelt apology could open doors, but it would have to be sincere and address the hurt caused,” Harrold added.
However, Harrold also pointed out that repairing the relationship with Prince William would be particularly challenging. The brothers, once very close, have had a notably strained relationship since Harry’s departure and subsequent revelations in the media. “William and Harry’s bond has been deeply affected. It will take more than an apology to heal that wound,” Harrold stated. “They’ve both experienced profound changes and have been on different paths for some time now.”