Prince Harry and King Charles’ relationship is not what it once was, of that much we can be certain. The estranged prince and his father’s bond was seriously damaged when Harry spoke about his experiences within the royal sphere – Harry’s memoir, Spare, proved the final straw.

Despite the feud – which has been ongoing for many years – the fact that the king and queen, along with Prince William and Kate Middleton, decided to congratulate Harry on his 40th birthday some weeks ago was quite surprising. But according to one royal expert, birthdays have unfortunately become another negative part of the now-difficult father-son relationship.

Prince Harry has only been back in the UK a few times during the last number of years. While there, he’s not seen his father every time, though he’ll get another chance in just a few days as the Duke attends the WellChild Awards. Ahead of that, a sad new report suggests that the king and estranged prince won’t meet each other… And the reason is heartbreaking.

King Charles and Prince Harry weren’t always at odds with one another, even if it seems as though the father-son duo have endured problems since Harry was born in 1984. In his book, Spare, Harry claimed that his father made a joke when his second son arrived, saying he finally had gotten his “spare.” Moreover, Harry added that he “was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy.”

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle – relationship with King Charles

What’s been has been, and no one can alter the past. What can be done, however, is that Charles and Harry might make amends, not least for sake of Harry’s children. For his part, Charles is said to be heartbroken about not getting to see his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Despite this, though, Harry claimed he wouldn’t visit the UK with his wife Meghan and their children as he fears for his family’s safety.

Speaking with OK!, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond claimed that Archie and Lilibet could be the reason why Harry and Meghan won’t cut off the royals entirely, especially King Charles.

“I can imagine that the King very much wants the chance to get to know Archie and Lilibet and to create some memories for them. The children may provide the most compelling link between Charles and Harry, and convince them both to forgive, if not forget, the bitter rows of the past,” Bond said.

She added: “I fervently hope that Harry will not follow Meghan’s example of remaining obdurately estranged from her father and most of her family. Maybe Archie and Lilibet hold the key to reconciliation between Charles and Harry.”

Royal expert and author Ingrid Seward argued that the same applies to King Charles, and explains why he won’t end his relationship with his son.

“Family has always been important to the King. He remembers his own somewhat fragmented childhood as his parents were always busy doing their duty. It is a great sadness to him he doesn’t see more of Archie and Lilibet,” Seward told the Mirror.

“That is why he will never break ties with Harry. He does not want a FaceTime relationship with his son’s children,” she continued. “He wants to know them and be involved with their lives while they are still young enough to be able to learn from his wisdom. His cancer has made it all the more poignant to him as he knows that he won’t be around forever.”

King Charles isn’t taking Harry’s calls, expert claims

Prince Harry last talked with his brother, Prince William, years ago, while contact with King Charles has also come few and far between. While the Duke reportedly wants to make amends with his father, it appears to be more difficult than one would expect.

According to royal commentator Emily Andrews, Charles has a harsh reaction whenever an aide approaches him with a phone to inform him that Harry is on the line.

“Now, even his own father is not taking his calls. I’m told that when courtiers bring the phone to the King (Charles doesn’t have his own mobile phone) he waves them away in irritation,” she told the Mirror.

“This is not because there’s been yet another falling out,” Andrews added. “Rather, it is thought to be because Harry wants to continuously discuss his ongoing battle for security, which he has been fighting in the court for four years and believes Charles has the power to reinstate.”

That Prince Harry and the other members of Royal Family might make amends seems unlikely at best. Therefore, it was quite a surprise that the Duke received birthday messages from King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton.

“Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!” King Charles’ and Queen Camilla’s social media posts read.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s social media account also marked Harry’s birthday. Their post read: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!”

“Charles wants to know what’s going on in Harry’s life”

While King Charles reportedly wasn’t happy when Harry called, the two shared a friendly phone call about the prince’s birthday. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, the father-son duo “spoke on the phone” and the relationship is “positive.”

Moreover, Charles is “hopeful” that their relationship will improve.