By Molly Claire Goddard
12:39pm PST, Jan 28, 2026
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If Prince Harry's government-funded protection detail for him and his family is approved, there may be a bright future for the Duke of Sussex and
King Charles III. "It certainly paves the way for a safe reconciliation," royal commentator
Afua Hagan told
Daily Express. "It means Harry can make a quick trip or come at short notice if he needs to for any reason, which certainly makes it easier for all sides to begin to consider a new phase in their relationship."
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Perhaps the most significant factor in Prince Harry and King Charles III putting their drama aside is the
Spare author's two children,
Prince Archie and
Princess Lilibet. "We know that Harry wants a reconciliation. He's made that abundantly clear. He's said that in an interview, and I believe that the King does as well," Afua Hagan said. "If the security situation is sorted and it's favorable towards Harry, then this could absolutely be a time for Harry to bring Archie and Lilibet to see their grandfather — and potentially his brother and
Prince William's children."
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While more U.K. visits for Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their two kids will be a positive change, they will likely never permanently reside in England. "The answer to that is a hard no, because they're happy where they are [in California]," Afua Hagan said. "The change in status with the security would definitely make it easier for him to come back and potentially build bridges, but we're not going to have a situation where Harry is a working royal because he doesn't want to be."
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With Prince Harry reportedly asking King Charles III to open the 2027 Invictus Games with him, His Majesty is keeping an open mind to mending fences. "After a tough few years, it looks like they are turning a corner with Prince Harry planning to spend more time with his father," a source told
Daily Express.
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As King Charles III continues to battle cancer, he knows how important time is. "King Charles has expressed his desire to see his grandchildren — there's nothing that would bring him more joy than to have all of them reunited together," the source said. "There's no better time to bring families together."
