Prince Harry’s brief reunion with King Charles during his recent four-day visit to the UK has sparked renewed debate about his future with the monarchy.

It was the first time father and son had met in 19 months, following Harry’s short visit last February when Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis.

This time, the King carved out just under an hour between three official audiences at Balmoral for a private tea with his youngest son. But according to The Times, Harry was reminded that there is no room for a “half-in, half-out” royal role.

“Contradicts Everything the King Stands For”

Royal commentator Hugo Vickers told The Sun that while personal reconciliation between father and son is important, Harry’s return to royal duties is simply not possible.

“We know that the King and Harry had a meeting when he was over here – and I think that was a good thing. On a personal level, I think it’s terribly important that the King and Prince Harry should talk,” Vickers explained.

“However, as for half in, half out, no, that’s not going to work. I don’t see any possibility of Prince Harry returning here to royal duties. For the simple reason that he attracts a lot of publicity, often controversial. It would be in complete contradiction to everything that the King and other members of the royal family are doing.”