KING Charles has “left the door open” for a meeting with Prince Harry fuelling hopes the pair could heal their rift, a royal expert has claimed.
The monarch and the Duke of Sussex could finally meet as Harry prepares to fly back to the UK to attend the WellChild Awards ceremony in London on September 30.
It will be the second time Harry has returned to Britain in one month after The Sun exclusively revealed he had secretly jetted back for his uncle’s memorial service at the end of August.
During the occasion, the California-based royal spent three hours at the church and reception in Snettisham, Norfolk, with William – but the warring brothers did not speak.
But royal expert Hugo Vickers believes the wayward duke’s latest return could pave the way for a meeting and reconciliation with his father.
He told The Sun: “Well, he does seem to be coming quite often, doesn’t he? Which in some ways is a good sign, I think.
“If he keeps coming at least there is a chance at some stage he’ll meet up with his father, and you know, maybe this can be a step towards some sort of reconciliation.
“I think there’s quite a long way to go but it’s nice that he feels he can come here anyway.”
But the writer and broadcaster warned Harry any face-to-face encounter would be on the King‘s terms.
The historian explained: “If I may put it like this, if the King wishes to see him, he will arrange to see him.
“If he doesn’t wish to see him, he’ll be too busy. Simple as that.”
In what appeared to be a brief end to hostilities, Harry’s 40th birthday was also marked on the Royal Family’s social media alongside a photo of him beaming.
The official account shared a snap of Harry smiling in a grey suit and white shirt.
On X, the note and picture was shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales‘ account with the message: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex.”
However, Mr Vickers feels a meeting with Charles is far more likely than with William.
He said: “I think it’s much more likely that he’ll have a meeting with the King.
“I don’t think there’s any particular wish on Prince William‘s behalf to see his brother.
“I mean they were both at Lord Fellows’ funeral or memorial service in Norfolk recently.
“They didn’t actually speak so no, I don’t think there will be any particular wish for them to get together.”
The Duke of Sussex was also in the UK in May for the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games at St Paul’s Cathedral.
But his father King Charles was too busy to see his errant son.
Wills, 42, has not spoken to his younger brother for two years following a series of insults and revelations in Harry’s six-part Netflix documentary and memoir Spare.
Harry jetted to the UK to see his dad just hours after the King revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer in February.
But he was limited to a half an hour meeting in London and was prevented from joining him as he recovered from his treatment in Sandringham.
Harry is suing the Home Office after his right to 24-hour armed police was removed when he stepped down as a working royal four and a half years ago.
In July, he claimed it was “too dangerous” to travel to the UK with Meghan.
Bday message an olive branch... or break in hostilities?
By Arthur Edwards, Sun Royal Photographer
I’M almost sure the surprise birthday greetings to Harry from the King and Queen as well as William and Catherine IS an olive branch.
Okay, they may not have put their signatures on the 11-word message but remember Harry’s birthday last year got totally ignored by his immediate family.
To me this latest development suggests warm wishes and maybe be a glint of a future kiss and make up.
This week, William had some great news. Catherine is now cancer-free. In their video they looked so happy and relieved.
Perhaps William is feeling just maybe this feud should come to an end.
But at the same time, goodwill has got to come from California as well.
Harry is due to inherit a lot of money from the Queen Mother’s estate.
Perhaps he may think that it’s time to perhaps come back and be welcomed instead of shunned by his father and his brother.
The photo the royals issued on Harry’s birthday is a lovely picture.
It’s the Harry I remember, all smiles and looking cheeky.
He’s got a party lined up. I hope he will let his hair down a bit.
Maybe he will get carried away and pick up the phone to England.
Who knows? Perhaps the Royal Family can sort it out.
I do know the King still loves his son deeply and I’m sure in his heart William has great memories of growing up with his brother.
But let’s see what the royals do for Meghan when it is her birthday next August.
Then we really will know if this really is a genuine olive branch – or just a break in hostilities.