The Duke of Sussex is reportedly keen to avoid publicity clashes with King Charles and Prince William – and could even meet his father face-to-face later this year
Prince Harry has offered to share his official diary engagements with the Royal Family in a bid to further defrost tensions. It follows controversy over the timing of the Duke of Sussex ’s trip to the African country of Angola last month. Images of Harry retracing his late mother Princess Diana ’s footsteps through a minefield made headlines around the world.
But the photos knocked coverage of Queen Camilla ’s 78th birthday portrait off the front pages. Now Harry is offering a diary-sharing arrangement to stop a similar situation happening again, says the Mail on Sunday. The newspaper said the deal is even believed to extend to Prince William ’s court at Kensington Palace. Sources said it is hoped the move to “deconflict” their diaries could lead to Harry and King Charles to meet face-to-face.
Lines of communication between the pair remain open since peace talks were held with representatives from both sides. Their PR chiefs were snapped earlier this month meeting on a balcony of an exclusive London members club.
A source described the latest development to share the Duke’s schedule as a significant milestone. They told the Mail on Sunday that Harry and his wife Meghan previously “relished” clashes of publicity.
“But now Harry has shifted into a new way of thinking,” they added. “The tone is now all about ‘deconflicting’ with his family. “Harry still doesn’t like being controlled by the Royal machinery, and that won’t change. “However, if the Royal Family have full sight of his movements they can at least plan accordingly. It’s a significant gesture.”
A friend told the newspaper: “Harry hopes to see his dad later this year, or next year. “Things are moving in the right direction but, as always with the Royal Family, they are doing so at a glacial pace.
“But at least all is going in the right direction and that meet up will happen eventually. “The right people are still talking to one another with that in mind.” Harry will fly to London for three days in late September to promote the children’s charity WellChild.