Prince Harry plays to his strengths with charitable focus and letters to King

Prince Harry is gearing up for a pivotal year that may finally soften the frost between Montecito and the Palace.

According to royal insiders, the Duke of Sussex plans to keep championing causes close to his heart in 2026 while quietly holding out hope for a thaw in relations with his family, particularly King Charles. 

Friends of Harry suggest reconciliation hasn’t been abandoned but it’s simply been complicated by distance and years of mistrust.

Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and has since made the US his home, took a tentative step toward rebuilding bridges last year when he reunited privately with his father. 

One major hurdle may soon be reassessed. UK security arrangements for the Duke are currently under review, with officials re-evaluating his risk status. 

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes the stakes are high. 

In her view, improved security could remove a long-standing barrier not just to travel, but to repairing fractured family ties. Face to face meetings with monarch matter whose schedule is famously relentless.

Bond also points to the King’s old-fashioned preference for handwritten correspondence, hinting that thoughtful letters and possibly apologies could go a long way. 

Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are expected to continue their philanthropic work in the US, focusing on mental health, digital safety and community-based initiatives. 

The update comes as James Holt confirmed he is stepping down as head of Archewell Philanthropies.

According to a statement, Holt “will remain a senior philanthropic advisor for the couple and Archewell Philanthropies, supporting their humanitarian trips overseas in 2026.” 

Bond told The Mirror: “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. 

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.”