As Prince Harry’s long-running legal fight over U.K. security reaches a pivotal moment, the Duke of Sussex’s relationship with his father, King Charles, remains strained — a sign that the wounds within the royal family are far from healed.

Prince Harry’s Security Battle Reaches critical Juncture as Royal Rift with King Charles Persists

As Prince Harry’s prolonged legal battle over his U.K. security arrangements approaches a turning point, another pressing issue remains unresolved: the ongoing strain in his relationship with his father, King Charles. Despite the gravity of Harry’s court case, the emotional distance within the royal family continues to dominate headlines, underscoring just how deep the divide still runs.

The Duke of Sussex is currently fighting a pivotal case in the U.K. High Court over the decision to strip him of government-funded police protection when he is in Britain. The legal fight has been in motion since 2020, following his and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from their roles as senior royals and relocate to the United States. Harry has argued that the removal of his security not only endangers him but also puts his family at risk — especially considering the threats he has faced over the years.

But while the courtroom drama unfolds, perhaps the more poignant battle is the personal one — the visible fracture between father and son. A source close to the palace tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue, “I don’t think there is any rapprochement. Nothing has changed.”

This revelation comes despite a recent cancer diagnosis for King Charles, which many speculated might offer a path toward reconciliation. Harry made a brief visit to the U.K. earlier this year following news of his father’s illness, sparking hope among royal watchers that the crisis might open the door to healing. However, insiders suggest the visit was more formal than familial, with no meaningful discussions taking place.

Royal experts point out that the tension stems from a complex mix of personal grievances, public criticism, and diverging visions for royal life. Since stepping away from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have spoken candidly about their struggles within the institution — most notably in the 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview and in Harry’s memoir Spare. These public revelations have further strained already delicate ties with the royal household.

Despite the chilly climate, some remain optimistic. “There’s always hope where family is concerned,” a royal source said. “But it will take more than a phone call or a single visit. Trust has been broken on both sides.”

As Harry awaits a ruling on his security case, the broader question of his place within the royal fold looms large. Whether time and circumstance can mend these deep wounds remains to be seen — but for now, the silence between father and son speaks volumes.