After months of will he, won’t he speculation, Prince Harry showed nothing but support for his father on the biggest weekend of his life – the coronation.
And while Harry, 38, may have no other supporters among the rest of his family, who have been aghast at his shocking attacks on the monarchy, insiders reveal he brokered a fragile peace deal with his father King Charles III, 74.
The father and son reunited during coronation proceedings.
(Image: Getty)“Harry was determined to put on a flawless show as the dutiful son. There’s no doubt he is genuinely proud and in awe of what his father is going through and the incredible weight he now bears. Whatever was going on with the rest of the family, Harry was not going to let it mar his father’s special day,” a royal source shares with Woman’s Day.
“Their troubles are by no means resolved, but it was enormous for Charles to see nothing but pride in his youngest son’s eyes,” the source reveals.
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According to a palace insider, the father and son “did get a chance to speak over the weekend and it was nothing but a warm, loving exchange. Harry made a point of telling his dad how proud he was of him and gave him his support. It was very emotional and both wiped away tears. Harry was quite flushed after the conversation.”
The pair are reported to have set their differences aside.
(Image: Getty)The insider says the duke’s willingness to put aside his troubles with his father – at least for one day – haven’t gone unnoticed after months of tense negotiations.
“There’s no doubt this meant the world to Charles, who’s been heartbroken by not just Harry’s exit over the past few years. He knew how hard it must have been for Harry to enter the hornet’s nest after his awful book and appreciated the effort he made to not spoil his day. Harry was polite and it was a joy to have both of Charles’ sons supporting him on the most important day of his life.”
While the monarch offered an olive branch by extending the invitation to Harry and his wife Meghan to attend, the relationship is a long way from being fully repaired.
“Charles is hoping this might be the first step in mending bridges. He knows his son was raised with nothing but respect for the Crown and the fact they are mere caretakers of history. For that alone he wanted Harry to be part of the day no matter what, to witness the coronation from near or far, and to be reminded of his small role to play,” says the source.
The King still loves his little boy.
(Image: Getty)“He remembers his mother’s coronation, the impact it had on him, even as a young boy.”
While Charles would welcome Harry back into the royal fold, he has also been bitterly hurt by him and struggles to trust his son.
“Harry’s annihilation of The Firm and his cruel comments about Queen Camilla, Prince William and Charles won’t easily be forgotten,” says the insider.
“But despite it all, Charles still loves his son and hopes to see his family united once more. Only time will tell if all will be forgiven.”
