The Duke of Sussex’s ongoing rift with the Royal Family has been well-documented, but former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has claimed the tables have turned

The Duke of Sussex’s strained relationship with the Royal Family has been widely reported, following a series of explosive revelations in his memoir, Spare, and various TV interviews. Despite a recent reprieve in tensions – such as Harry’s decision not to add any extra chapters to his autobiography when the paperback was recently released – a royal expert suggests the tables have turned.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: “It would be lovely if the New Year could bring some movement in the rift between Harry and the rest of his UK family. But it’s hard to see how that’s going to happen, particularly while Harry insists on pursuing his court case against the Home Office about security.”

Reflecting on the potential impact of Harry’s legal battle on the King, Jennie added: “This puts the King in real legal jeopardy. He really can’t be drawn into any discussion with Harry about a legal dispute with his own government. So it makes any potential meeting extremely awkward.”

She continued: “And William has shown absolutely zero interest in rekindling a relationship with his brother. He is looking forward to a New Year with his beloved wife regaining her strength and being at his side on some royal duties.”

And, while little has been confirmed about the reasoning behind the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s recent decision to purchase a property in Portugal, it has been claimed that it is a move to allow the couple’s young children to grow up with some knowledge and a closer connection to their father’s family.

On why the pair may have made such a move, Jennie explains: “Harry obviously wants his kids to experience life a little closer to the UK, hence the purchase of a property in Portugal, but it still looks like a lot more water has to flow under the bridge before there can be any prospect of the King and William patching things up with Harry,” she revealed.