Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," presents a narrative of King Charles as an emotionally unavailable father, recounting instances where his father struggled with intimacy and communication. Harry wrote that his father "didn't hug me" and gave the impression of being "checked out" and not entirely ready for parenthood.
However, these recollections contrast with accounts from individuals who have spent time with the royal family. Ruthie Henshall, who dated Prince Edward for five years, shared a different perspective in her book, "The Showgirl And The Prince." Henshall recalled witnessing King Charles engaging in "rough and tumble" play with a young Prince William and Prince Harry at Balmoral, describing it as a scene where the monarch "clearly loved those boys."
Journalist Penny Junor, in her book "Charles: Victim Or Villain?," also offered a contrasting view. Junor described instances where the King would arrive by helicopter at his Highgrove estate, with William and Harry running out to greet him, often jumping into his arms and leaving his suits smudged with sheep droppings. According to Junor, Charles's private persona involved teasing, joking, and playful physical interactions with his sons, including hugs and kisses.
Junor also recounted an anecdote from a skiing holiday in Klosters in 1997, where Prince Harry reportedly gave a speech at a farewell dinner expressing gratitude to his "Papa" for a wonderful holiday and then kissed his father repeatedly. Royal author Christopher Andersen, in "Brothers And Wives: Inside the Private Lives of William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan," echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the public rarely saw the "undisputed depth of affection" between Charles and his sons, citing games like "Big Bad Wolf," pillow fights, wrestling matches, and fishing trips as private family activities.
These differing accounts come as reports suggest Prince Harry hopes King Charles will attend the upcoming Invictus Games in Birmingham. Organizers are reportedly considering inviting the King to the opening or closing ceremonies. This potential engagement follows a meeting between Harry and Charles earlier in the summer, which also included Queen Camilla and Harry's children, Archie and Lilibet. Charles has had limited contact with his grandchildren since Harry and Meghan relocated to the United States in 2020. Harry is reportedly keen to foster more opportunities for his father to spend time with Archie and Lilibet, with sources indicating his father's presence at the Invictus Games would be significant to him.