Prince Harry’s return to Britain could serve as a barometer for relations between him and his family as it creates an environment for them to meet.

The Duke of Sussex marked his 40th birthday on Sunday and received happy birthday messages on social media from King Charles III, as well as Prince William and Princess Kate.

The apparent olive branch sparked debates about whether relations might be on the mend or whether it was all for show.

New insight may be gleaned as soon as September 30, by which time Harry will be back in Britain attending the WellChild Awards, of which he is patron, in London.

The Duke of Sussex’s last public event in Britain was in May, although he announced through his spokesperson that his father did not have time to meet.

The message was phrased warmly enough, but represented a clear signal that he was a lone peacemaker whose attempt at diplomacy was not reciprocated.

“In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to his majesty’s full program,” the spokesperson said.

“The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

The reference to “various other priorities” in particular hinted that Harry felt he was some way down the “to-do” list.

Harry did indicate though that he hoped to see his father “soon” and they are not known to have met up on the duke’s most recent visit to Britain in August, for the funeral of Sir Robert Fellowes, William and Harry’s uncle and Princess Diana‘s brother-in-law.

Harry’s attendance was something of a surprise to the public and media, but it did put him in the same room as William for the first time since Charles’ coronation.

The only accounts to emerge from the funeral, largely through the vicar, were that the brothers did not speak, though it is impossible to be certain there was no private interaction.

If Harry’s latest visit does not yield a meeting between father and son, then Harry’s comment through his spokesperson that he hoped to see his father soon may start to look more like confirmation their relationship remains strained.

Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

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