Prince Harry has described his estrangement from Prince William and King Charles as another source of grief in his life.
The Duke of Sussex, 42, spoke with GQ’s Zach Baron for the publication’s One More Question series. Their interview was released October 20.
They recorded the conversation in late September at the magazine’s New York offices while Harry was visiting the city during the United Nations General Assembly.
Harry and Meghan Markle returned to Britain in August with Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, for what was announced as an extended stay.
Harry Discusses Letting Go of Old Family Wounds
Harry said he frequently hears from people dealing with sibling disagreements and damaged relationships between parents and children. He suggested that some interest in the royal dispute comes from people hoping to understand how their own families might reconcile.
“Some people don’t want it to work out. I want it to work out,” he said. His spokesperson told PEOPLE that the observation was general and was not directed at William or any other relative.
Harry acknowledged that “scars stick around forever” while arguing that people can change how they view past events. He recognized that letting go becomes harder when those experiences still affect everyday life, but said there was already enough conflict in the world without prolonging family arguments.
A Summer Reunion With Charles, but No Reported Contact With William
Charles welcomed Harry, Meghan and their children to Highgrove on July 10, according to ITV News. The grandchildren had last seen him in person during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
PEOPLE reported that Harry and Charles have communicated since the Sussexes’ arrival in Britain. The outlet reported no direct contact between the brothers during that period.
The family’s disagreements became increasingly public after Harry and Meghan stepped away from their working royal roles in 2020. Their Oprah Winfrey interview followed in 2021, their Netflix documentary series in 2022 and Harry’s memoir, Spare, in 2023. The book included his account of a physical confrontation with William.
Harry had also appealed for reconciliation in a BBC interview on May 2, 2025, after losing his legal challenge over British security arrangements, as the Associated Press reported at the time.
Harry Says British Schooling Means More to Him Than Expected
By the time Harry spoke with Baron, the children had spent two weeks in British schools. He said they were enjoying the change and that their enrollment had become more meaningful to him than he anticipated.
After years in California, Harry wanted them to experience the country where he grew up and compare two different cultures. Living near relatives and friends also meant frequent playdates with other children, helping them settle into their surroundings.
Harry said he and Meghan had considered returning before, but the practical decision came together quickly when circumstances aligned.
Diana’s Death and Charles’ Illness Shaped the Grief Conversation
Harry was 12 when Princess Diana died in a Paris car crash on August 31, 1997. He recalled spending years assuring people he was fine while struggling with feelings he had not fully understood or expressed.
He still regrets rushing his final telephone conversation with his mother because he wanted to return to playing with his cousins. Harry said becoming a parent had changed how he understood the guilt he carried from that childhood moment.
Fatherhood has also made him think about which patterns he inherited from his parents and which he wants to pass on.
Charles announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024. Harry told Baron that his father was improving and acknowledged the anxiety of watching a surviving parent become ill after losing the other so young.
His course, Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss, pairs his personal account with the work of grief researcher Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor. The MasterClass curriculum addresses grief’s effects on the brain and body, coping with emotional responses and maintaining a connection to someone who has died.