Prince Harry seeks family reconciliation but denies swipe at William

Prince Harry has said he wants to reconcile with his family, but his attempt to present a GQ interview as an olive branch was complicated by a remark that some people do not want it to work out. The interview was recorded last month and released today. In it, Harry said he grieves his relationships with his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William. Asked whether he grieves those relationships, he said yes, adding that sibling disagreements and broken relationships between parents and children are relatable for many families.

He said: 'Well some people don't want it to work out. I want it to work out.' He added that with everything else happening in the world, the most important thing is to reconcile and that there is enough drama in the world without continuing family issues. He also said certain things from the past are harder to let go of if they affect daily life. A spokesperson for the Sussexes then moved quickly to clarify that the remark was 'absolutely not intended as a swipe at his brother or any other member of his family' and was made in a general context.

The interview also touched on King Charles's health. Harry said his father is getting better, and he discussed how both his father and the interviewer's father had cancer. He described his own family background in terms of broken relationships, and he wondered what his family situation would be like if his mother, Diana, were alive. He spoke about the couple's return to the UK, saying it was partly about schooling, partly US politics and partly family. He said they had to be back closer to his family and on UK soil, and he suggested their attitude to living in England had changed after going through their experiences and speaking about them.

The release coincided with a state visit by the Sultan of Oman. King Charles and Prince William carried out public duties and attended a state banquet at Windsor Castle while the interview circulated. Unlike some earlier interviews, the palace did not issue a public rebuttal, and senior courtiers were largely silent. One royal editor said those close to the King were not complaining about the interview, which was taken as a more positive sign than in the past. The timing still drew criticism because it distracted from the state visit.

Reaction was divided. Some royal commentators called the interview confused or passive aggressive and argued that public interviews make private reconciliation harder. Others said the remarks suggested a possible thaw between Harry and his father, while leaving the bigger question of Prince William unresolved. Critics also said Harry should apologise or stop discussing family matters in public, while supporters said he was entitled to speak about grief and family breakdown. There was no public indication of a breakthrough, and no direct comment from the King or Prince William.