The Duke of Sussex's strained relationship with the Royal Family has been widely reported, following a series of explosive revelations in his memoir, Spare, and various TV interviews. Despite a recent reprieve in tensions - such as Harry's decision not to add any extra chapters to his autobiography when the paperback was recently released - a royal expert suggests the tables have turned.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: "It would be lovely if the New Year could bring some movement in the rift between Harry and the rest of his UK family. But it’s hard to see how that’s going to happen, particularly while Harry insists on pursuing his court case against the Home Office about security."
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PA)Reflecting on the potential impact of Harry's legal battle on the King, Jennie added: "This puts the King in real legal jeopardy. He really can’t be drawn into any discussion with Harry about a legal dispute with his own government. So it makes any potential meeting extremely awkward."
She continued: "And William has shown absolutely zero interest in rekindling a relationship with his brother. He is looking forward to a New Year with his beloved wife regaining her strength and being at his side on some royal duties."
And, while little has been confirmed about the reasoning behind the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's recent decision to purchase a property in Portugal, it has been claimed that it is a move to allow the couple's young children to grow up with some knowledge and a closer connection to their father's family.
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Getty Images)On why the pair may have made such a move, Jennie explains: "Harry obviously wants his kids to experience life a little closer to the UK, hence the purchase of a property in Portugal, but it still looks like a lot more water has to flow under the bridge before there can be any prospect of the King and William patching things up with Harry," she revealed.
The commentary follows Jennie's appearance on Times Radio, where she unpacked the evolution of the royal rift.
"Early on it was Harry, who was demanding an apology. There was going to be no meeting of minds or meeting in reality until there was an apology for the affronts he thought had been made to his wife," she told listeners, adding, "But now I think the tables have turned somewhat.
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Getty)"Messages coming from Harry's side are that he's ready at least to forgive and that he loves his family. He's said that quite publicly. He wants to see more of them. But it is Charles and William who seem to be resisting reconciliation at this point so I think it was first one, then the other."
Although the couple's New Year's plans are uncertain, they will likely have a delightful Christmas with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - possibly outside the UK.
According to Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, the "huge rift" between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the Royal family makes it "likely" they won't receive an invitation from King Charles for future festive gatherings.
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Getty Images)Richard told the Express: "Harry and Meghan spent Christmas at Sandringham in 2017, when they were engaged and Meghan was the first fiancée to receive an invitation, and were also there in 2018."
The couple is reportedly skipping the Royal family's Christmas celebrations this year due to the ongoing rift. Richard noted that while Harry and Meghan have fond memories of past Christmases with the royals, their other shared memories are less pleasant.
He stated, "Unfortunately these are not the only memories they have shared of the Royal Family, and the only sensible thing whilst a rift exists, and it is huge, is not to ask them, which is what has happened this year and what is likely to happen in the foreseeable future."
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