Prince Harry could be permanently alienated from the royal family.
If Prince Harry returns to the UK unapologetic about the notorious Oprah Winfrey interview, he risks being “permanently divorced” from the Royal Family, according to a royal expert.
The Duke of Sussex is set to travel to the United Kingdom for Prince Philip’s burial after the 99-year-old passed away on Friday (April 9).
Harry and the rest of the royal family have been at odds for months.
According to renowned writer Tom Bower, if Harry is unapologetic during Prince Philip’s burial next Saturday, he may never mend the schism with other Royal Family members.
The circumstances of Harry’s homecoming are supposed to help repair the schism between him and brother William, with the two slated to stand shoulder to shoulder behind their grandfather’s coffin, united in sadness.
Harry’s trip to the UK is regarded to be his last chance to heal relations with his family.
It has been confirmed, however, that his pregnant wife Meghan will remain in the United States on doctor’s orders.
It will be the first time Harry has seen other members of his family since joining his wife’s contentious two-hour interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey on television.
Royal biographer Tom Bower has advised that when Harry returns, he must not look unrepentant.
He told The Sun: “Harry faces a moment of reckoning. The negotiations for his return to Britain for the funeral are certain to be fraught.
“Much will depend on whether Charles and William are willing to seek reconciliation. That will depend on Harry himself. If he arrives as a self-righteous, unapologetic warrior, he risks sealing a permanent divorce from his family.
“If, in the sight of Philip’s coffin and his grieving grandmother, he is contrite, he might begin to rebuild a relationship with Charles and William,” he continued.
The brothers are preparing expected to be unified in their grief.
Mr Bower believes the Queen will try to broker peace in the days following her husband’s burial.
According to the Mirror, Harry has discussed his homecoming with his cousins Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.
“He said he wants to be with everyone and was already making plans to come home,” an insider added.
On Friday, the duke and duchess paid homage to Philip on the website of their organization Archewell.
“In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh 1921-2021,” it simply states.
“Thank you for your service… You will be greatly missed.”
