Charles III's choice not to meet Prince Harry during his highly anticipated tour of Britain underlined the importance of his strong ties with Queen Camilla, making forgiveness for the duke less likely.
Confirmation emerged yesterday that the pair will not be meeting while Harry is in London this week due to the King's “busy schedule”.
A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex confirmed the news, while Buckingham Palace declined to comment further on the visit.
The King's former butler, Grant Harrold, told GB News: And as we know, the palace hasn't really said anything about what Harry is doing.
“Obviously there have been comments from the spokesperson, but there is absolutely no clear indication of how the relationship is progressing and it is sad to see it have broken down.
“As I said before, I keep hoping that this relationship will fix itself one day. But as time goes by, I start to wonder if this relationship is beyond fixation.”
Asked whether Harry's comments about Queen Camilla in his book could have been a factor, he said: “Oh, of course. I mean, you can't put something in a book and make that kind of commentary and expect everything to be okay.
“It’s interesting. I was very confused because I always thought they were all getting along. That doesn't mean those thoughts and feelings weren't there, or that they're completely possible. But I personally have never done that. I witnessed one of them.
“very sad… “This family is no longer as united as it once was.”
The 46-year-old said of King: “There is no doubt that he will be shocked by the fact that the relationship is not what it used to be when I was there.
Yesterday, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said Harry was “understanding” the monarch's busy schedule and his inability to meet with him this week.
They said: “Following many inquiries and ongoing speculation as to whether the Duke will meet his father while in the UK this week, unfortunately, due to Her Majesty's overall programme, this will not be possible.
“Of course the Duke understands his father’s diary of appointments and his various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”