Prince Harry’s recent visit to the UK, prompted by his father King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, has left his old friends feeling neglected, according to insights from a former royal butler. The Duke of Sussex, who made a surprise trip to London, spent less than an hour with his father at Clarence House before swiftly returning to Los Angeles. Even during this brief visit, he failed to reconnect with his elder brother Prince William or his sister-in-law Kate Middleton, who is recovering from surgery.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold observed that Harry’s estrangement extends beyond his immediate family, as he also missed the opportunity to meet up with any of his friends during his time in London. Harrold suggests that Harry’s relocation to the United States in 2020 has ushered in a “brand new chapter” in his life, where the ties to his old friendships appear to be fading. Despite assuming that Harry might return for “longer visits,” Harrold notes that the prince seems intensely focused on his life in America with his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as per the Mirror.
Harrold, speaking on his video series Lord Ping’s Royal Treatment, expressed surprise at the brevity of Harry’s meeting with his family, especially with his brother William. He speculates that Harry’s exhaustion after a long flight from Los Angeles might have contributed to him bypassing other family members. Harrold remarked, “You would think Harry would want to see not just his brother, but his sister-in-law and his niece and nephews. So, I was quite surprised that he didn’t.”
The former royal butler emphasized that Harry’s detachment from his friends and family might signify a deliberate choice as he becomes engrossed in his new life across the Atlantic. Harrold stated, “As far as I’m aware, they don’t even get to see him… it’s possible his new life in the States is a brand new chapter for him and maybe that’s the reason why he doesn’t want to spend time here.”
In a twist, Harrold revealed his astonishment at the short duration of Harry’s meeting with King Charles. Despite assuming that the prince would take a more extended period to reconnect with his family, Harry’s swift departure suggests other pressing commitments or, perhaps, a preference for a more fleeting visit. Harrold expressed a hope for a more extended stay next time, adding, “Maybe he’ll come back next time with his own family?”
Post his UK visit, Prince Harry, in an unexpected interview, disclosed plans for multiple future trips to the UK, intending to spend time with his family. “I’ve got other trips planned that will take me through the UK, or back to the UK, and so I’ll stop in and see my family as much as I can,” he shared, hinting at a possible reconnection with his roots amid his evolving life in the United States, as per The Daily Mail.
