In pictures: King Charles and Prince Harry in happier times before heartbreaking 'rift'
The father and son are currently not on speaking terms
Before their relationship was strained, King Charles and Prince Harry shared years of close father-son moments captured in sweet photos.
The reported rift between the Duke of Sussex and his father became public after Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California.
In a now-infamous 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry revealed: “My family literally cut me off financially. I’ve got what my mum left me, and without that, we would not have been able to do this.”
He added: “I will always love him [Charles]. But there’s a lot of hurt that’s happened. I will continue to make it one of my priorities to try and heal that relationship.”
Prince Harry reunited with King Charles at several major family events, including the funerals of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, and Charles’ coronation in May 2023.
Earlier this year, Harry made an emotional appeal for reconciliation during a BBC interview.
Now, with reports suggesting that aides for the two royals recently held a meeting, a reunion between father and son may be closer than many expected.
Meanwhile, these photos remind the world of a time before the strain.
William, Harry and Charles’ Switzerland ski trip, 2002
Back when royal life felt a bit simpler, Charles was known to whisk his sons off for skiing holidays in Klosters, Switzerland.
In this image from 2002, the then Prince of Wales stands proudly between William and Harry, all dressed in ski gear, grinning after a day on the slopes.
These winter trips were an annual tradition, father-son bonding away from the pressures of royal protocol.
Charles presents Harry with his Army Wings, 2010
In one of the proudest moments of his life, Prince Harry received his Army Wings and blue beret from his father during a ceremony at the Army Aviation Centre in 2010.
Charles beamed with pride as Harry joined the ranks of the Army Air Corps.
Although Harry has since lost his honorary military titles after stepping back as a working royal, he continues to celebrate veterans through the Invictus Games.
Charles and Harry in the French Alps, 2011
This photo above shows Charles and Harry beaming in front of an Apache Helicopter in the French Alps.
Charles once opened up about the anxiety of having both sons serve in the military.
During Harry’s time as an Apache helicopter pilot, Charles admitted to the constant worry.
“I do share with you the worry and anxiety of not knowing the exact details about our children’s whereabouts,” the royal admitted, as reported by The Sun.
Harry kissing Charles at Chelsea Flower Show, 2013
In a rare public display of affection, Harry greeted Charles with a hug and a kiss on the cheek at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2013.
It was a candid moment that broke from the typical stiffness of royal formality.
Invictus Games Opening Ceremony, 2014
At the launch of the inaugural Invictus Games, Harry’s passion project to support wounded veterans, Charles was there in full support.
Alongside William and Camilla, Charles cheered as Harry addressed the crowds.
“You can be sure that everyone who takes part will be giving it their all,” Harry told the audience.
The ceremony took place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and welcomed over 5,000 guests.
William, Charles and Harry at the Invictus Games, 2014
One particularly heartfelt photo shows William holding out a phone, trying to explain something to Charles, as Harry looks on.
The trio shared a laugh, one of many relaxed and genuine moments they had in public.
Charles and Harry bond at Chelsea Flower Show, 2015
At the Chelsea Flower Show again in 2015, Harry proudly introduced Charles and the Queen to his Sentebale charity garden, which aimed to raise awareness around HIV in Lesotho.
In one candid image, Charles and Harry are caught admiring some flowers.
Environmental Summit appearance, 2018
In February 2018, just months before Harry’s wedding to Meghan, the prince made a surprise appearance alongside his father at an environmental summit on coral reef protection.
Charles has long been an advocate for climate causes, and Harry’s attendance signalled his intention to follow in those footsteps.
Charles walks Meghan down the aisle, 2018
When Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, could no longer attend the wedding, Charles stepped in without hesitation.
“I asked him to, and he immediately said, ‘Yes, of course. I’ll do whatever Meghan needs, and I’m here to support you,'” Harry recalled in the BBC One documentary Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70 in November 2018.
“He’s our father, so of course, he’s gonna be there for us. I was very grateful for him to be able to do that.”
In one photo, Harry looks on with adoration as Charles walks Meghan towards him.
This touching gesture was a high point in their relationship.
Charles, William and Harry enjoy time with David Attenborough at Our Planet premiere, 2019
Charles, William, and Harry made a rare joint appearance at the premiere of David Attenborough’s Our Planet.
It was one of their last major public appearances together before Harry and Meghan’s royal exit.
Read more: Prince Harry’s ‘fears’ over brother William as he’s ‘desperate to return to the UK’
What do you think of this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page.
