Prince Charles Doesn't "Want Oprah to Be the End" of His Relationship With Prince Harry, Royal Expert Says
The Prince of Wales included his youngest son in his essay on climate change.


In a somewhat surprising move, Prince Charles name-checked his younger son Prince Harry in his recent essay on climate change for Newsweek—even as the Queen left the Duke of Sussex out of her Christmas broadcast.
For Jack Royston, royal correspondent for Newsweek, this decision is significant. "Prince Charles giving Prince Harry credit for his work on climate change shows he does not want Oprah to be the end of their relationship," Royston tells Marie Claire, referencing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex' explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021.
"A lot has happened between them and it must have been very hard for the Prince of Wales to hear some of the things his second son has been saying about him publicly. From 'total neglect' to 'genetic pain' to 'my family literally cut me off financially,' Harry gave his father both barrels in 2021," Royston continues.
But the royal expert doesn't think the king-in-waiting wants to open a further rift between himself and his second son. "However, the point when Charles becomes king is nearing," he says. "Such clear and public praise for Harry shows he wants to move past the acrimony and look to the future, not the past.
"The Queen twice recently praised the contributions of different members of the royal family to the fight against climate change without mentioning Harry. Charles, clearly, feels more comfortable ensuring his son gets the credit for the work he has done and is not forgotten, in spite of everything."
Although it's hard to know what exactly the Duke of Sussex' relationship with his father—and with other relatives in the U.K.—looks like since he moved to California with his family, it has been understood to have become strained in recent months.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
The Most Iconic TV Romances That We'll Ship Forever
These will-they-won't-theys had us hooked from season 1.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
13 Outfit Formulas Defining Hailey Bieber's Laidback Personal Style
Copy and paste to your closet.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Dakota Johnson's Black Manicure Is Beauty Foreshadowing at Its Finest
The actor's nails offers a telling look inside Colleen Hoover's 'Verity' book-to-movie adaptation.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Queen Elizabeth Reportedly Did an Incredible Impression of Melania Trump
The late monarch was a hilariously skilled mimic.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Queen Mother Loved Male Company at Events: "The Bigger the Rogue, the Better"
"She loved all the reprobates in racing," horse trainer Nicky Henderson revealed.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Proves He's a Total Girl Dad in Sweet New Photo of Daughter Princess Lilibet
Lilibet is curled up in her dad's lap in the previously unseen snap.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Duchess Sophie Shows Her "Deep Connection" to Second Mom Queen Elizabeth With $30,000 Tribute
The royal duo shared a loving bond.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Makes a Brief but Meaningful Appearance in Netflix's 'With Love, Meghan'
The Duke of Sussex requests a mimosa as he supports wife Meghan Markle at an important event.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Celebrate Meghan Markle's New Netflix Show With an Amazing Gift
The little royals paid tribute to their mom's success in the sweetest way.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals His Favorite Thing About Raising Lilibet and Archie in California
The Duke of Sussex shared the one thing he can do in the U.S. "without any issue."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Elizabeth's "True Favorite" Is Taking Over One of the Late Monarch's Beloved Roles
It's a position steeped in history.
By Kristin Contino Published