Real reason why Prince Harry is blocking 'awkward' royal reconciliation as he puts King Charles 'in jeopardy' amid ongoing rift

The Duke of Sussex's rift with the Royal Family has been well-documented as he has made a number of explosive claims in his memoir, Spare, as well as in various TV interviews. While there has been a reprieve in recent months and decisions not to stoke tensions back up again - such as through Harry's decision not to add any extra chapters to his autobiography when the paperback was recently released - a royal expert has claimed the tables have turned.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively told OK!: "It would be lovely if the New Year could bring some movement in the rift between Harry and the rest of his UK family. But it’s hard to see how that’s going to happen, particularly while Harry insists on pursuing his court case against the Home Office about security."

Reflecting on how Harry's decision will be personally affecting the King, Jennie adds: "This puts the King in real legal jeopardy. He really can’t be drawn into any discussion with Harry about a legal dispute with his own government. So it makes any potential meeting extremely awkward.

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"And William has shown absolutely zero interest in rekindling a relationship with his brother. He is looking forward to a New Year with his beloved wife regaining her strength and being at his side on some royal duties."

While little has been confirmed about the reasoning behind the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's recent decision to purchase a property in Portugal, it has been claimed that it is a move to allow the couple's young children to grow up with some knowledge and a closer connection to their father's family.

"Harry obviously wants his kids to experience life a little closer to the UK, hence the purchase of a property in Portugal, but it still looks like a lot more water has to flow under the bridge before there can be any prospect of the King and William patching things up with Harry," Jennie concludes.

The expert's comments come after she previously appeared on Times Radio to explain how the tables have turned in the royal rift.

"Early on it was Harry, who was demanding an apology. There was going to be no meeting of minds or meeting in reality until there was an apology for the affronts he thought had been made to his wife," Jennie told listeners.

"But now I think the tables have turned somewhat. Messages coming from Harry's side are that he's ready at least to forgive and that he loves his family. He's said that quite publicly. He wants to see more of them. But it is Charles and William who seem to be resisting reconciliation at this point so I think it was first one, then the other."

While the plans for the New Year may seem far-fetched for now, the couple will surely have some fun in store for Christmas with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - although perhaps not in the UK.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams has suggested that due to the "huge rift" between Harry, Meghan and the rest of the family, it's "likely" they won't be invited by King Charles for future festive reunions.

Speaking to the Express, Richard recalled: "Harry and Meghan spent Christmas at Sandringham in 2017, when they were engaged and Meghan was the first fiancée to receive an invitation, and were also there in 2018."

It's been reported that the couple won't be attending the Royal family's festive celebrations this year, due to the ongoing rift. According to the royal expert, "The memories they have shared on a couple of occasions - Meghan in the third episode of the Harry and Meghan Netflix documentary, and Harry on the Today programme - appear to have been fond.

"Unfortunately these are not the only memories they have shared of the Royal Family, and the only sensible thing whilst a rift exists, and it is huge, is not to ask them, which is what has happened this year and what is likely to happen in the foreseeable future."