Prince Harry’s year ahead could mark a decisive turning point after a turbulent 2025 that brought both progress and setbacks for the Duke of Sussex.
Over the past year, Harry recorded notable highs, including the successful staging of the Invictus Games in Canada and a return to the UK in September that led to a rare reunion with his father, King Charles. The visit was widely seen as a positive step amid ongoing tensions within the Royal Family.
However, the year also delivered significant blows. Harry stepped down as patron of his Sentebale charity and lost his legal challenge at the Court of Appeal over the restoration of publicly funded police protection during UK visits. Despite the setback, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures has now directed its Risk Management Board to reassess his security threat level, with a decision expected next month. The outcome could play a major role in shaping his future relationship with the UK.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes the new year could bring improved fortunes for the Duke. She said 2026 has the potential to be a very positive year for Harry, particularly if the security review is decided in his favour.
According to Bond, a favourable outcome would remove a major obstacle to Harry visiting the UK more frequently and could even open the door for his children to travel with him. She noted that the security issue has also complicated his relationship with King Charles, adding that regular, private face-to-face meetings could gradually help repair the rift.
She stressed that progress would depend on Harry fitting in with his father’s demanding schedule and ensuring that any meetings remain entirely private, without details reaching the media. Bond also suggested that Harry consider writing to the King, describing Charles as someone who appreciates thoughtful correspondence.
While she sees potential for improvement in the father-son relationship, Bond was far less optimistic about reconciliation between Prince Harry and Prince William. She said sibling relationships are often harder to repair than those between parent and child, and questioned whether William shares Harry’s desire for renewed closeness. In her view, the tension between the brothers may take a long time to ease, if it ever does.
Looking ahead, Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are expected to have a busy year, with several commitments planned for 2026. The couple are also involved in a new Netflix project through Archewell Productions, which is producing an adaptation of Jasmine Guillory’s novel The Wedding Date.
As the year unfolds, much will depend on the outcome of Harry’s security review and whether it allows him greater freedom to rebuild ties with his family, while balancing his life and work outside the UK.
