Prince Harry admits 'the focus really has to be on my dad' King Charles in new interview
The estranged father and son met for the first time in almost two years
Prince Harry has spoken out in a new interview about his priorities after meeting with King Charles during his trip to London last week, saying that “the focus really has to be on my dad”.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, flew from California to the UK last Monday (September 8) for a four-day visit packed with charitable engagements.
While in London on September 10, Harry met privately with his father for the first time in 19 months.
The pair reportedly spent 55 minutes together over tea at Clarence House. It came after Harry‘s last visit in February 2024, following Charles’ cancer announcement.
Prince Harry opens up about King Charles in new interview
Speaking days later on a surprise trip to Ukraine, Harry reflected on the significance of his reunion with the monarch.
Speaking to The Guardian, Harry didn’t talk about his father, 76, but suggested he wants to see Charles more often.
Over the coming year, Harry said that “the focus really has to be on my dad”.
‘My conscience is clear’
Harry also defended his controversial memoir Spare, which drew global headlines for its allegations and comments about the royal family.
He explained: “I know that [speaking out] annoys some people and it goes against the narrative. The book? It was a series of corrections to stories already out there. One point of view had been put out and it needed to be corrected.”
Harry added: “I don’t believe that I aired my dirty laundry in public. It was a difficult message, but I did it in the best way possible. My conscience is clear.”
Harry’s true feelings about returning to the UK
The Duke of Sussex also said his wife, Meghan Markle, has always told him to “just stick to the truth” as that is “the most efficient way to live”.
Meanwhile, Harry appeared upbeat about his time back in Britain. A spokesperson told PEOPLE that the duke “loved being back” in the UK.
The focus really has to be on my dad.
Following his reunion with Charles, Harry attended a Diana Award event where he paid tribute to his late mother.
“My mother believed in the power and agency of young people to positively impact the world,” he said. “The Diana Award continues her legacy by putting young people at the heart of everything they do. My message to everyone is don’t stand still, don’t stay silent. Make them hear you because you speak for the majority.”
Duke’s visit to Ukraine
Shortly after leaving London last Thursday (September 11), Harry travelled to Ukraine with his Invictus Games Foundation team.
There, he privately met with Ukraine’s Minister for Veteran Affairs, Natalia Kalmykova. They discussed how Invictus could expand support for wounded veterans.
Meanwhile, the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation recently announced a donation of $500,000 (£369,000) to support injured children in Gaza and Ukraine.
Will Harry reunite with the rest of his family?
Despite Harry’s meeting with Charles in London, experts caution that the wider royal rift remains unresolved.
Harry’s older brother, Prince William, did not attend the tea at Clarence House, and the brothers did not see each other during Harry’s stay, it’s believed.
But could Harry’s meeting with Charles pave the way for a reconciliation between the brothers?
Harry has since returned to California to reunite with Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Read more: Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘extreme suspicion’ over Prince Harry after his UK visit
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