Prince Harry and King Charles backed to achieve crucial 'step forward' upon duke's return to the UK

The Duke of Sussex confirmed his attendance in a statement, expressing his honour at celebrating "the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs".

Royal commentators suggest this visit could pave the way for a crucial meeting between father and son.

Hugo Vickers, a royal commentator, told The Sun: "Well, he does seem to be coming quite often, doesn't he? Which in some ways is a good sign, I think.

"If he keeps coming at least there is a chance at some stage he'll meet up with his father, and you know, maybe this can be a step towards some sort of reconciliation."

Amidst speculation about a potential reunion, a royal insider has claimed that King Charles might adjust his schedule to accommodate a meeting with Prince Harry.

Speaking to The Mirror, the source said: "The King's health, his upcoming autumn tour to Australia and the next chapter of his reign are his main focus, but there is always room to improve relations with his son."

The insider noted that Charles's willingness to meet Harry may not be shared by other family members, stating: "Whether other family members follow suit is another matter."

However, the source cautioned that reconciliation remains a "long road" and may not include Meghan Markle.

It is still unconfirmed whether the Duchess of Sussex will accompany Harry on his UK trip.

Vickers emphasised that any potential meeting would be on the King's terms.

He explained to The Sun: "If I may put it like this, if the King wishes to see him, he will arrange to see him. If he doesn't wish to see him, he'll be too busy. Simple as that."

This sentiment echoes previous reports of King Charles's approach to reconciliation.

Royal commentator Michael Cole suggested that the monarch might offer Harry accommodation, as he did during the duke's visit in May.

Cole told GB News: "Last time he was here, he stayed at a hotel, even though he was offered the freedom of Buckingham Palace if he wished to stay. The King said stay at my place, but he didn't."

However, Cole noted that it remains uncertain whether Charles would extend the same offer this time. The potential for a phone call between King Charles and Prince Harry remains unclear.

Cole pointed out that while the Palace publicly wished Harry a happy 40th birthday, they did not confirm if a call took place.

"Normally on these occasions Buckingham Palace would confirm if there had been a video call. But of course the King would have been rather wary of that, because the last time there was a video call, that was leaked the next day, presumably by Prince Harry's PR people."

Despite the challenges, Vickers remains cautiously optimistic about the possibility of reconciliation. He told The Sun: "I think there's quite a long way to go but it's nice that he feels he can come here anyway."