King Charles Shares Sentimental Father’s Day Tribute as Prince Harry Remains Absent Amid Royal Rift

King Charles marked Father’s Day with a touching post on social media, paying tribute to his late father, Prince Philip. On June 15, a black and white photo showing a young Charles and Princess Anne being pushed on a swing by Prince Philip was shared on the official Instagram account he runs with Queen Camilla.

The post also featured a photo of Queen Camilla with her father, Major Bruce Shand. The caption extended warm wishes to fathers everywhere, creating a sentimental tone amidst ongoing personal challenges within the royal family.

Ongoing Royal Rift Overshadows Father’s Day Amid Prince Harry’s Continued Absence from Events

Despite the public celebration, King Charles’ Father’s Day message arrived amid ongoing tension with his son, Prince Harry. Just one day prior, the King celebrated his official birthday with the Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 14. Notably, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not present at the event, underlining the deep divide that continues to affect the royal family. This absence, especially during a major royal occasion, highlighted the ongoing estrangement between Harry and the rest of the senior royals.

The rift between Prince Harry and the royal family can be traced back to early 2020 when Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and moved to California. This marked a turning point in their relationship with the monarchy. Since relocating, the couple has welcomed their second child, Princess Lilibet. The move also led to the loss of Harry’s automatic taxpayer-funded security in the U.K., which has remained a critical and contentious issue, particularly given Harry’s concern for his family’s safety.

Security Dispute Deepens Royal Rift as Harry Seeks Reconciliation Amid Legal Setbacks

A major source of continued strain involves Harry’s legal fight to restore his U.K. security privileges. In May 2025, a court dismissed Harry’s latest appeal, a decision his legal team described as a grave threat to his safety. This development has not only deepened the family discord but also complicated efforts at reconciliation. Harry has openly acknowledged that the dispute over security is a key barrier to communication with his father, expressing frustration and sadness over the breakdown in their relationship.

Despite the emotional and legal barriers, Prince Harry has expressed a clear desire to mend his relationship with his family. In a recent interview with the BBC, aired on the same day as the court ruling, Harry shared his hope for reconciliation. He emphasized the value of family and time, particularly given King Charles’ ongoing cancer treatment.

Yet, he also conveyed a sense of resignation, stating that his father “won’t speak to me” due to the ongoing security conflict. The Duke of Sussex concluded by acknowledging that he can’t envision bringing his family back to the U.K. without adequate protection, leaving the royal rift still unresolved.