Prince Harry has endured a rollercoaster 2025 that has included a successful Invictus Games, a reunion with the King and a charity spat – and it seems 2026 could prove a turning point
It has been a rocky 2025 for Prince Harry – but it seems he could be ending the year on a bright note. The Duke of Sussex has endured something of a rollercoaster 12 months with highs including a successful Invictus Games in Canada and a seemingly positive trip to the UK in September, which culminated in a long-awaited reunion with his estranged father, the King.
However, there have also been brutal blows from the ugly boardroom spat, which saw him quit as patron of his Sentebale charity and lose his case at the Court of Appeal to have his automatic police protection when in the UK reinstated.
After his defeat was revealed, Harry gave an interview to the BBC admitting the issue had created a wedge between him and the King, with him claiming his father refused to talk to him about it – and called the decision a “good old-fashioned stitch up”.
But in recent weeks, reports have suggested that his security arrangements while in the UK are being reviewed. The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) has now instructed its Risk Management Board to reassess his threat level, with a decision expected next month.
And for royal expert Jennie Bond, it could be a crucial turning point for Harry if he gets the outcome he wants. The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror : “2026 could turn out to be a very good year for Harry. If his security review goes in his favour, he will feel that an obstacle to visiting the UK more often – and possibly bringing his children here – has been removed. It has also been a spanner in the works in his relationship with his father.
“I think it’s only by coming over and seeing his dad in person from time to time that the rift between them could gradually be mended. Harry could help by making himself available to fit in with his father‘s very busy diary and by ensuring that absolutely nothing about any meeting is given to the media.
“He could also write to his father – perhaps indeed he does so already. King Charles is a great letter writer and enjoys considered communication in this way. An apology to his father and his stepmother would also help – again, perhaps he has already done so, although I rather doubt it.”
And although there could be a glimmer of hope for a reconciliation between Harry and his father, the same can’t be said for Harry and William.
The pair are not believed to have talked since the death of the late Queen, and on the third anniversary of her death in September, were just seven miles apart as Harry visited Windsor to visit their grandmother’s grave.
Jennie added: “As for reconciling with William, that’s a much bigger ask. A parent can forgive a child far more readily than siblings tend to reconcile. Harry has said he wants his father and his brother back in his life.
“But I’m not at all sure that William feels the same about Harry. So I think the younger prince will have to wait some time yet for the ice to thaw – and the truth is that it may never do so.”
Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Harry will no doubt continue with this charity work, while he and Meghan also have a new project with Netflix. It has been revealed that their Archewell Productions are making producing an upcoming adaptation of the book The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory.
But Jennie explained: “We’ve seen this year that Harry is still very popular when he carries out his charity work. He’s incredibly good at it. I suspect he’s more comfortable working in the charity field than in film production, about which he knows very little.
“So my advice to him would be to play to his strengths, continue using his platform to highlight issues that matter to him and keep lending his name and fame to the charities he wants to help.”
