Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, reportedly has no intention of returning to royal duties unless his brother, Prince William, issues a formal apology. Harry remains steadfast in his decision to step away from royal responsibilities, though he has indicated he might consider a temporary role if requested by King Charles III.
Despite this openness, Harry and William have not communicated for several months and even avoided interaction at their uncle Lord Fellowes’ recent funeral, where they were both present but did not speak.
Tensions between the brothers have reportedly worsened since Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” which William allegedly views as a barrier to reconciliation. Harry seems to be moving forward by reconnecting with former advisors and friends, aiming to reestablish his presence in British social circles, though these efforts appear more strategic than indicative of a desire to fully rejoin the royal family.
While Harry is not focused on a return, he remains open to supporting the royal family in times of need, especially given King Charles and Prince William’s recent health challenges. Harry’s primary condition for any potential future involvement is an apology from William, particularly for the impact of his memoir on their relationship.
In interviews, Harry has mentioned that he deliberately omitted certain details from the book to avoid exacerbating family conflicts, though he admits the content that was included might still be difficult for his family to accept.
Despite ongoing discord, Harry attended his late mother’s brother-in-law’s funeral in August 2024, where he and William were both present but kept their distance. Public reactions were mixed, with some expressing hope for reconciliation and others remaining skeptical of Harry’s trustworthiness.
The rift between the brothers, which began in 2016 and escalated with the release of “Spare,” has been compounded by broader issues within the royal family. Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties and subsequent security concerns have further strained relationships. Although their interactions remain strained, recent events suggest that a resolution, while challenging, might still be possible.