Over the last few years, we’ve gotten a pretty good play-by-play of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to leave their royal roles back in early 2020, and how it impacted their relationships with the rest of the family, especially Prince Charles and Prince William. Though Harry went on a walk with his father and brother at Prince Philip’s April funeral and Charles spoke to Harry on son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor’s second birthday in May, it’s been hard to tell if the relationships are on the mend.
According to Page Six, Charles and Harry are currently in touch more frequently now, but the channels of communication aren’t totally open. A royal insider told the tabloid that they do communicate but they haven’t totally cleared the air. “I don’t think it’s all roses. It’s not like they are sitting down for a heart-to-heart on the phone once a week,” they said.
The insider added that Meghan and Harry’s royal exit really did impact their relationship. “Charles was hugely hurt when Harry and Meghan just dumped it on the family they were giving up their roles and moving abroad,” the source said. “I don’t think [Harry and Charles] talked for a good while, but now the channels of communication are open.”
A source that Page Six said is “familiar with the royals’ inner workings” said that the family is understanding of Meghan and Harry’s reported decision to skip the annual Christmas gathering at the Sandringham estate. “I think the family accepts the situation,” the source said. “They’re not annoyed. They’re accepting things for how they are.”
According to the Mirror, Queen Elizabeth is getting ready to make her trip up to the estate on December 17, and Charles, William, and Kate Middleton are planning to join her. “The queen has told everyone she is feeling far better of late and is very much looking forward to welcoming them for Christmas,” a source told the tabloid. “Like many other families, this will be the first time Her Majesty can gather with her extended family after being kept apart for so long due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
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