Prince William's Absence At King Charles And Prince Harry's 'Peace Summit' Branded A 'Warning Shot'
However, royal experts believe Prince William's absence signals tension, with concerns he distrusts Harry and Meghan.
While King Charles is said to seek peace, partly influenced by his battle with cancer, doubts persist after the meeting's details leaked.
Prince William Keeps His Distance Amid King Charles And Prince Harry's 'Peace Summit'
Although Harry and King Charles seem to be heading toward reconciliation, royal experts believe there's one key figure who's unlikely to forgive or forget any time soon.
Royal analyst Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that Prince William's absence from the talks was no accident.
"The important issue is that Prince William and his representatives were not invited," Turner said.
He added, "I feel that this was a warning shot across William's bows that Charles is king – not him. … It may also be a stark warning that Charles will decide what happens during his reign, not William."
As reported by The Blast, Harry's chief of staff, Meredith Maines, traveled from California to London to meet with King Charles' top aide, Tobyn Andreae. Liam Maguire, head of U.K. communications for Harry and Meghan, also attended the confidential meeting.
The low-key meeting is said to have taken place at the Royal Over-Seas League — a private members' club just a short stroll from Clarence House, Charles' London residence.
Prince William's Distrust Of His Younger Brother Remains A Stumbling Block On The Road To Peace
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggested to the publication that William was likely informed about the private meeting between Charles' and Harry's aides, but deliberately kept his own team out of it.
"The king is still battling cancer and is in his late 70s," Fitzwilliams said. "He wants a relationship with his grandchildren, whom he has hardly met. He is also temperamentally more accommodating than William. But [William] cannot trust the Sussexes. They must know it."
Fitzwilliams added, "The prospect of seeing the Sussexes at royal events would enrage the monarchy's loyal supporters. … Of course, reconciliation is desirable [for the king]. It would, however, come at a price."
King Charles Hopes For Healing With Prince Harry, But Experts Warn Prince William's Absence Could Widen Rift
British broadcaster Helena Chard echoed the sentiment, telling the news outlet that personal healing between Charles and Harry could be meaningful.
"From a positive private family stance, some personal healing between father and son would be good," Chard said. "King Charles will always love his son, and, in light of the king's ongoing cancer treatment, it could help tidy up the messy, fractured relationship.
She further noted that the monarch's health has likely prompted deeper reflection about his relationship with his son.
"King Charles is living with cancer, which makes his family situation very sad," Chard explained. "I'm sure he is thinking about his mortality and reevaluating his life. He would not want a family feud tarnishing his positive contributions and memory. I'm sure he will also want to clear up unresolved issues or surprises that could lead to further resentment and conflict between his two sons.'
However, Chard cautioned that without Prince William's involvement, achieving long-term peace may be difficult.
"Life is too short for battles," she continued. "However, without Prince William's inclusion in the rapprochement, I can't see a positive outcome. It could also cause a wedge between Charles and William, despite the king most certainly consulting with William."
Royal Expert Slams 'Peace Summit' Leak
British royal commentator Hilary Fordwich expressed skepticism over the so-called 'peace summit,' casting doubt on its sincerity.
"My instincts say that Harry is desperate," Fordwich claimed. "And King Charles loves his son and wants to have a restored relationship. However, this tentative step in any fragile peace process was marred by the leak of the meeting's details and photos."
Fordwich continued, "How on Earth was the media there?. … Both sides [have] expressed frustration regarding how such a leak jeopardizes the process, with now suspicions and distrust being resurrected.'
Prince William's Distrust Of The Sussexes Might Have Deepened After The Leak
Fordwich suggested William likely sees the leak as yet another reason to stay distant from Harry and Meghan.
"Prince William is likely viewing this leak as being true to form for the Sussexes," she said. "It further reinforces his stance that any reconciliation or indeed dialogue with the Sussexes will become public."
Royal expert Helena Chard echoed the concern, questioning how such a private meeting had become public knowledge so quickly.
"The trust line seems to have been overstepped yet again," Chard observed. "The story broke as the Prince and Princess of Wales received glowing media attention at Wimbledon."
She continued, "This was promptly overshadowed by the leaked reconciliation story. ...The PR machine is seemingly in full play. It wouldn't surprise me if everything was filmed and will soon be featured in a new Netflix show.'
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