Prince Harry says reconciliation with family is the most important thing
Web StoryWatch this story in 15 seconds →Key takeaways
- Prince Harry told GQ magazine he wants to reconcile with King Charles and Prince William.
- His key line: "With everything else that's going on in the world, the most important thing is to reconcile."
- He admitted the scars will last, but said letting go of the past is the way forward.
Prince Harry has said he wants to patch things up with his family. He told GQ magazine that reconciling with his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William, is his top priority.
The interview came out on Tuesday, October 20. It was filmed in late September during Harry's visit to New York City, according to People.
What happened
Harry sat down with GQ's Zach Baron for a video interview. The questions covered his broken relationship with his family.
Baron asked Harry about his "complicated relationship" with his father and brother. He asked if it was something Harry grieves.
"Yes, of course," Harry answered. He said family rifts are a "massively relatable issue for so many people."
That is why the public cares so much, he said. People see his story and ask how he will fix it. He hopes his effort to reconcile might help others fix their own problems too.
Harry said his main message was simple.
"With everything else that's going on in the world, the most important thing is to reconcile," he told GQ. "That's the key point."
He was honest about the damage.
"Scars stick around forever," he said. But he added that what matters is your view of the past. Letting go is something he would encourage everyone to do.
"If there's certain things from the past that are still affecting your everyday, that's harder to let go of," he said. "But yeah, for me, there's enough drama in the world and enough drama in people's lives than to continue with issues with family."
Harry added one line that got a lot of attention. "Some people don't want it to work out. I want it to work out," he said.
His spokesperson later said that comment was not aimed at William or any other family member. Reuters reported it was made in a general sense.
Harry also spoke about his children. He said his kids have been in a British school for two weeks since the family moved back.
"They're loving it," he said. "It's just giving them a whole different experience."
The 42-year-old also talked about the British press. He said the press played a part in why he left Britain.
He has sued several newspaper groups in recent years. His hope now is for a better relationship.
"My hope is that it will change," he said. "Hopefully we can all draw a line under that."
Why it matters
The rift started in 2020. Harry and his wife Meghan stepped back from their roles as working royals. They moved to California.
Since then, the break has played out in public. The couple did a famous interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. They made a Netflix docuseries in 2022. Harry released his memoir, Spare, in 2023.
Harry has barely spoken to William for years, Reuters reported. The family did recently meet up again with King Charles.
Over the summer, Charles, 77, reunited with his younger son. Meghan and the couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, also saw him. For Meghan and the grandchildren, it was the first meeting with Charles in four years, according to People.
Then came the surprise move back. Harry and Meghan relocated to Britain with their two children.
Since the move, there has been contact between Charles and Harry. But there has been no direct contact between Harry and William, who is 44, according to People.
Royal author Russell Myers told People that William's view is clear. "He will have no relationship with them, in a working or private capacity whatsoever," Myers said.
So the door with Charles looks open. The door with William looks shut. That is the hard part of Harry's plan.
What happens next
Harry has made this kind of plea before. In a 2025 BBC interview, he said, "I would love reconciliation with my family."
"There's no point in continuing to fight anymore."
That did not lead to a full fix. The question is whether this new interview changes anything. A public olive branch is not the same as a private meeting.
The timing is notable. Harry is now living in Britain again.
The family is in the same country for the first time in years. That makes quiet talks possible in a way they were not before.
But a real reconciliation needs both sides. William has not spoken, at least not in public. Until he responds, Harry's words are only half of the story.
For now, the interview tells us where Harry stands. He grieves the broken relationship. He wants to fix it.
And he thinks the rest of the world should do the same with their own families.
Interviews follow the same rule whether the guest is a job candidate or a prince: sharp questions, honest answers.
Harry gave an honest answer. Now everyone waits to see what the rest of the family says.
Related stories
How to Ask for a Raise With Data, Not Emotions
Ask for a raise with market data and documented results, not emotions. Research your rate from BLS wage tables, build an evidence file, run
How to Explain a Career Gap on Your Resume Honestly
A career gap is not a red flag if you explain it honestly: give a reason, show what you did, and point forward. Recruiters reveal the exact
How to Switch Careers at 30 With No Experience in the Field
A career change at 30 means repackaging a decade of transferable skills, not starting over. Map your skills, earn one certification,