Prince Harry has “scored an own goal” in attempts to rekindle things with the Royal Family, an expert claims.
Following a brief visit to the UK in February to see his father, King Charles III, after his cancer diagnosis came to light, Prince Harry did not take a critical chance to rebuild ties with his family, royal expert Michael Cole said.
While the Duke of Sussex spent an hour privately with the King, hopes that the meeting might lead to improved relations with his father and brother, Prince William, were short-lived.
Shortly after his UK visit, Harry delivered a keynote speech at the NFL Honours ceremony in Las Vegas, where he presented Pittsburgh Steelers star Cam Heyward with the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
During his appearance, the Duke’s playful banter about American football was well-received, but Cole noted a missed opportunity for reconciliation.
Speaking to GB News, Cole said: “He had a golden chance to talk about his Majesty the King, whom he’d just visited hours beforehand, and had he said a few words and wished his father well, the Americans would’ve liked that.”
Cole also suggested that expressing good wishes to Kate, the Princess of Wales, could have helped Harry’s popularity in the US, where she enjoys high approval ratings.
“It was an absolute own goal,” Cole added, saying Harry may have been poorly advised in leaving family sentiments out of his speech.
While Harry’s jokes about the differences between rugby and American football drew laughter, the omission of any reference to his father’s health struck a sour note for some royal commentators.
The Duke’s appearance did, however, end on a positive note with a heartfelt tribute to NFL players’ community work.
He said: “All kidding aside, what you guys do on and off the field is truly remarkable.”
At the time, Queen Camilla provided an update on King Charles, saying he was doing “extremely well under the circumstances” and was touched by the public’s support following his diagnosis.
Despite the promising prognosis, the Duke’s decision to forego public expressions of support for his family has left lingering questions about the state of relations within the Royal Family.
