Prince Harry sends new signals for family reconciliation

LondonAfter the gilded exile in California, which has lasted almost six years, and the return to the United Kingdom with his wife, Meghan Markle, and the couple's two children this August, Prince Harry is once again sending signals for reconciliation with the Windsor family. In an interview with GQ magazine, the first he has granted since settling back in his country, the Duke of Sussex asserts that he wants to restore family ties. But he has warned that "some people" do not share this wish of his. Without mentioning him, he is referring to his brother, Crown Prince William, and the future Queen Consort, Kate Middleton.

"With everything going on in the world, the most important thing is to reconcile," he asserts at one point in the conversation, although not everyone wants to turn the page. And even though he claims he wants the new chapter "to work," he also makes it clear that "scars last forever"; a reminder of the many he carries, from the death in an accident of his mother, Diana of Wales, to the fights with his brother, which he left well documented in his memoirs

Many journalistic reports published in the United Kingdom have repeatedly claimed that the two brothers have not spoken for four years. In fact, the last time they were seen together was on the occasion of the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The rift was aggravated by the famous interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, in which the Sussexes leveled accusations of racism against members of the royals; then in the Netflix docuseries, and, finally, in the aforementioned memoirs.

"There is already enough drama in the world and enough drama in people's lives to keep dragging on family problems," Harry declares to the publication, insisting that rebuilding these relationships is his priority. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess, however, wanted to undermine the interpretation of his words as a reproach to his brother or any other member of the family. As specified, the comment was made in a general context and "was not directed in any way" against any family member. A version that is, however, difficult to swallow.

A first message

This is not the first time that Harry has expressed this desire for reconciliation. Last year he already told the BBC that he would like to recover his relationship with his relatives. With his father, King Charles III, it seems that the thaw has progressed further: both met again during the Duke's visit to the United Kingdom in July and, according to known information, they maintain regular telephone conversations.

The return of the Sussexes to the United Kingdom has also left images that recall their former public obligations as working members of the royal family. Last week the couple participated in their first joint event since their return, with a visit to Nottingham in which they greeted citizens and admirers. The Duchess described the event as "wonderful".

In the interview, Harry also moves away from the victim image that has accompanied much of his public narrative since they left the family and royal obligations to start an independent life. "I no longer want anyone to pity me. Why? Because I am a prince. I have a support network around me, I have done different forms of therapy and I have worked hard at it," he states. He even wonders where he would be now if he had not resorted to psychological help: "I could be in a very different situation".

The death of his mother, however, when he was 12 years old, continues to be a trauma. "Sometimes I ask her questions, looking for some kind of answer. And sometimes I receive it," he explains to GQ. This special bond could also become a new audiovisual project. According to recent reports in the English press, Harry is negotiating the production of a documentary about his mother to be broadcast on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of her death, which will take place next year. Could this anniversary be the key to a handshake between the two brothers? This could be one of the most commented speculations by the British press in the coming months.