King Charles Encouraged Prince Harry's Return to the United Kingdom, Source Says

A friend of King Charles III told a news outlet that the monarch had informally encouraged Prince Harry to return to the United Kingdom, saying the king believes the royal family is stronger when united. The source added that the decision was presented as a strategic move for the benefit of the family and to resolve a standing dispute.

When asked whether Prince William approved of his father's encouragement, the source said the king had emphasized that William and the future of the monarchy remain his top priority, describing William and Catherine as a credit to the institution and noting Charles’s pride in them.

The comments mark the first public insight from a close ally about the king’s thinking on the matter. The source also indicated that Theo Rycroft, the king’s deputy private secretary, is involved in managing the response to Harry’s return, and that Rycroft is being considered for a senior role following the resignation of Sir Clive Alderton.

Harry and Meghan are reported to be staying with hedge-fund manager Ian Wace and his wife, former model Saffron Aldridge. Local reactions to the couple’s presence have been mixed, according to unnamed sources.

"The king clearly wants them to be happy and settle here, and he and his staff are doing nothing to obstruct that," said one source familiar with the situation.

The report also referenced commentary from royal commentators, some of whom had previously described Harry’s attempts to secure security for his family as “emotional blackmail.” The source disputed those remarks, stating the king invited Harry to Clarence House for a meeting and served his favorite chocolate biscuit cake.