King Charles III has reportedly expressed sadness and bewilderment over the lawsuit his son, Prince Harry, has initiated against a British newspaper group, as well as his ongoing criticisms of the United Kingdom’s institutions.
The Duke of Sussex, currently estranged from the royal family, is engaged in a lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers, alleging unlawful phone hacking that led to the publication of numerous distressing stories about him from 1996 to 2011.
Last week, a 55-page witness statement was released by Prince Harry, expressing his belief that the state of the press and government in England had reached a low point, which conflicts with the constitutional requirement for the royal family to remain apolitical.
A source close to the palace told The Sunday Times that King Charles III consistently brings up Prince Harry during conversations, conveying a sense of sadness and bewilderment. However, there is also growing frustration towards Prince Harry’s actions, as they appear to persist despite attempts to address the issues.
Prince Harry left his royal duties three years ago and relocated with his family to California, citing the pressures of public life and perceived biases against his wife, Meghan Markle.
During his recent brief visit to the UK for the trial, Prince Harry did not meet with King Charles or his brother, Prince William. He reportedly did not receive an invitation to his father’s 75th birthday parade scheduled for later in the week.
Prince Harry only considered taking legal action against the newspaper group after encountering lawyer David Sherborne in 2018, who convinced him of the viability of his case, according to the report.
When the controversial articles first came out, a palace insider revealed that Prince Harry never raised concerns about phone hacking with royal aides. Moreover, he has not provided conclusive evidence of journalists engaging in such practices.
Sources close to Prince Harry suggest that his extended time in California has resulted in a loss of tact and an inability to maintain his royal conduct. Such behavior, including criticisms of the government, is seen as embarrassing for Prince Harry and Britain.