Prince Harry may have violated a major royal protocol ahead of recent behind-the-scenes peace talks between his team and King Charles’ press secretary, according to royal expert Charlotte Griffiths.
Speaking Out When He Shouldn’t Have
Griffiths claims the Duke of Sussex overstepped a key boundary by speaking publicly about private family matters — something that’s become a pattern since his royal exit. From his explosive 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview to the Netflix docuseries with Meghan Markle and the release of his memoir Spare, Harry’s openness has reportedly made King Charles extremely cautious.
“I think [the King] would be open to talking to Harry,” Griffiths said, “but there’s a simple ask: if we speak, don’t let it end up on Oprah or any other public platform.”
No Direct Line to the King
As it stands, Harry reportedly doesn’t have direct access to his father. “He can’t just call him,” Griffiths explained. “He has to go through intermediaries — his father’s aides.”
For any progress to happen, ground rules would need to be established. “Harry cannot keep repeating private conversations to the media,” Griffiths emphasized.
Comments About King’s Health Stir Backlash
Tensions escalated after Harry’s BBC interview in May, where he expressed a desire for reconciliation, but also made headlines with one particularly troubling statement: “I don’t know how much longer my father has.”
The remark didn’t sit well at Buckingham Palace. “That comment went down extremely badly,” Griffiths revealed. “He crossed a line by speculating about the King’s health — a cardinal rule in royal circles.”
Peace Talks Omit William and Kate’s Team
Despite Harry’s team — including reps Meredith Maines and Liam Maguire — recently meeting with King Charles’ communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae, one notable absence raised eyebrows: Prince William and Princess Catherine’s media team was not involved.
According to Griffiths, William has no intention of joining any reconciliation efforts with his younger brother.
“William’s in good health and in no hurry to patch things up,” she said. “He probably knows what the King is doing, but he wants no part of it.”
A King’s Perspective Shift Amid Health Concerns
Griffiths believes King Charles’ openness to potentially reconnecting with Harry may be driven by his current health struggles.
“With everything he’s facing, the King might be in a more reflective, forgiving mindset,” she said.
But if any progress is to be made, it will depend on Harry respecting royal boundaries and keeping private conversations exactly that — private.