Prince Harry’s hopes for reconciliation with King Charles may have hit another roadblock after he reportedly broke a cardinal rule of royal conduct. According to royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths, the Duke of Sussex’s public remarks about the King’s health have had far-reaching consequences behind palace walls.
Speaking on GB News, Griffiths revealed that Harry’s decision to speak publicly about sensitive family matters—particularly speculation around his father’s health—violated a long-standing royal protocol.
“Harry said ‘we don’t know how much time my father has left,’ and that went down extremely badly,” Griffiths explained. “He broke the cardinal rule which was speculating on the King’s health.”
This indiscretion, Griffiths suggested, has made King Charles more cautious about any private discussions with his youngest son. “What Harry cannot do is repeat what goes on in private conversations,” she said, adding that any future communication would come with firm conditions.
One of those conditions, she noted, includes a demand for privacy. “If I talk to you, can it not leak out on Oprah Winfrey or any other programme?” Griffiths quoted.
Harry’s access to his father now appears limited. Griffiths claimed that the Duke “cannot get through to his father, he has to go through his aides.”
She stressed that while Prince Harry is reportedly eager for reconciliation, trust must first be re-established through clear boundaries.
The damage, however, might extend beyond the father-son dynamic. Griffiths indicated that Prince William is “in no rush to make amends with his brother,” and remains firmly opposed to reconciliation.
Despite possible communication between the King and William regarding Harry, Griffiths noted, “I don’t think William will want to get involved.”
Although Griffiths clarified that the King’s health is not at a critical stage, she acknowledged it may be influencing his current mindset.
“I think this is driven by the King’s health in the respect that the King is very circumspect at the moment and is perhaps in a more forgiving place,” she observed.