Ever since Prince Harry stepped down from the Royal Family, speculation has been rife about whether he would ever be willing to return to his official duties.
Despite leaving the monarchy, the Duke of Sussex has remained committed to a “life of service”, continuing to work with charities and causes close to his heart, including Sentebale and the Invictus Games. When King Charles and Kate Middleton were both undergoing cancer treatment and unable to perform their public-facing duties, the idea of Harry returning in a part-time role to fill in for the two senior royals was once again brought up.
Although quickly dismissed by sources, Harry flew back to the UK as soon as his father’s condition was announced, expressing gratitude for the chance to see Charles. However, they have not reunited since.
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When Harry’s memoir Spare was released in early 2023, he was directly asked about the possibility of his return during a book promotion interview. The Duke of Sussex summed up his feelings on the matter with a straightforward answer.
Prince Harry is no longer close with his family (
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“No. I don’t think it is ever going to be possible,” Harry said. He elaborated: “Even if there is an agreement or an arrangement between me and my family, there is that third party that is going to do everything they can to make sure that isn’t possible. Not stopping us going back, but making it unsurvivable.”
Despite hesitations about re-joining the Royal Family, Harry shared his desire for “reconciliation” with Prince William and other relatives in a chat with Good Morning America. He said King Charles’ cancer could have a “reunifying effect”.
He added: “Throughout all these families I see it on a day-to-day basis the strength of the family unit coming together. I think any illness, any sickness brings families together.”
Harry recently made a rare return to the UK to celebrate the achievements and resilience of seriously ill children and their families. The Duke of Sussex attended the WellChild awards ceremony in London in his role as the charity’s patron, a position he has held for more than 15 years.