Harry demands apology from William before resuming royal duties

Prince Harry is unwilling to resume royal duties unless William apologises, though he remains open to assisting the Royal Family at his father’s request, a report suggests.

Insiders close to the Duke of Sussex indicate he is content with his decision to step back from royal duties. However, they note he would consider a temporary role if his father requested his help.

Last week, it was reported that Harry had distanced himself from his ‘Hollywood publicists’ and reached out to former confidantes for advice on returning from his US exile. Despite this, sources emphasise that Harry and Meghan, who have lived in California for four years with their two children, do not seek a permanent return to the UK.

Prince William reportedly believes there is ‘zero chance’ Harry will be welcomed back after the release of his memoir, *Spare*. In the book, Harry criticised several family members, alleging William assaulted him during an argument over Meghan and claimed his brother and father confronted him after Prince Philip’s funeral, looking for a fight.

He also accused William and Kate of encouraging him to wear a Nazi costume and depicted his brother as his ‘arch-nemesis’, Queen Consort Camilla as a ‘wicked stepmother’, and Charles as an emotionally detached ‘old man’. The brothers have not communicated for months.

Both William and Harry attended their uncle Robert Fellowes’ funeral last week but did not interact, reportedly sitting apart at the back of St Mary’s Church in Snettisham. Sources described their arrival as very discreet.

Friends of Harry say he is keen to improve his relationship with his father, especially considering his father’s health issues. Nonetheless, he still expects an apology from William if he is to represent the family.

Harry, who turns 40 next week, is settled in California with a new circle of friends and several upcoming projects. He is preparing for a trip to New York for engagements linked to his charities, including the Halo Trust and the Diana Award.

Recently, Harry and Meghan parted ways with another American PR adviser, Christine Weil Schirmer, who joined them in 2020 and left quietly last year. She is the tenth staff member to have left in three years, now working with PR giant Brunswick. Last month, the couple’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, also resigned after just three months.

A source mentioned that Harry is moving away from Hollywood publicists and seeking advice from old friends and associates, suggesting he is reevaluating his approach.

While mending his relationship with William is unlikely, it was revealed last week that the King might be open to reconciliation with Harry, consulting faith leaders about forgiveness. One of Harry’s advisers, known for loyalty and discretion, has already devised a strategy for reintegrating into UK circles, potentially taking on low-key royal duties.

A source indicated that this could help Harry regain public favour, although it would require him to accept a period of low-profile engagements. However, this would depend on certain family members’ willingness to allow it.