Prince Harry has had a rollercoaster of a year in 2025 and it seems there could be a turning point for 2026 if he plays his card rightGeorgia Burns Trainee Trends, Showbiz and Lifestyle Writer and Jennifer Newton
14:49, 01 Jan 2026
Prince Harry has had a rollercoaster 2025(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
It has been a turbulent year for Prince Harry, but it seems he could have finished 2025 on a more positive note. The Duke of Sussex has experienced a rollercoaster 12 months, marked by highs such as a successful Invictus Games in Canada and a seemingly positive visit to the UK in September, which ended with a long-anticipated reunion with his estranged father, the King.
However, the year also delivered a series of brutal blows, including a bitter boardroom spat that led to Harry stepping down from his Sentebale charity, as well as losing his court appeal bid to have his automatic police protection in the UK restored.
Following the ruling, Harry spoke to the BBC and admitted the issue had driven a wedge between him and the King. He claimed his father would not discuss the topic with him and described the outcome as a “good old-fashioned stitch up”.
However, in recent weeks reports have suggested that his security arrangements in the UK are under review. The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) has reportedly asked its Risk Management Board to reassess his level of risk, with a decision expected to be made next month.
Harry’s security in the UK is under review(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images)
And according to royal expert Jennie Bond, it could be a huge turning point for the Duke of Sussex if he gets the outcome he hopes for. The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror: “2026 could turn out to be a very good year for Harry. If his security review goes in his favour, he will feel that an obstacle to visiting the UK more often – and possibly bringing his children here – has been removed. It has also been a spanner in the works in his relationship with his father.
“I think it’s only by coming over and seeing his dad in person from time to time that the rift between them could gradually be mended. Harry could help by making himself available to fit in with his father‘s very busy diary and by ensuring that absolutely nothing about any meeting is given to the media.
“He could also write to his father – perhaps indeed he does so already. King Charles is a great letter writer and enjoys considered communication in this way. An apology to his father and his stepmother would also help – again, perhaps he has already done so, although I rather doubt it.”
While there may be a small sign of hope for a reconciliation between Harry and his father, the same optimism can’t be said for Harry and William.
The brothers are not thought to have spoken since the death of the late Queen, and on the third anniversary of her passing in September, they were reportedly just seven miles apart when Harry travelled to Windsor to visit their grandmother’s grave.
Jennie added: “As for reconciling with William, that’s a much bigger ask. A parent can forgive a child far more readily than siblings tend to reconcile. Harry has said he wants his father and his brother back in his life.
“But I’m not at all sure that William feels the same about Harry. So I think the younger prince will have to wait some time yet for the ice to thaw – and the truth is that it may never do so.”
Prince William and Prince Harry have reportedly not spoken since the death of the Queen(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Looking ahead to 2026, Harry will no doubt continue with his charity work, as well as a new project with Netflix for him and his wife, Meghan Markle.
It has been revealed that their production company, Archewell Productions, is producing an upcoming adaptation of the novel The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory.
But Jennie explained: “We’ve seen this year that Harry is still very popular when he carries out his charity work. He’s incredibly good at it. I suspect he’s more comfortable working in the charity field than in film production, about which he knows very little.
“So my advice to him would be to play to his strengths, continue using his platform to highlight issues that matter to him and keep lending his name and fame to the charities he wants to help.”