Prince Harry dealt major blow as Prince William has 'zero interest' in duke's olive branch

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond claimed the situation has reversed from its earlier state.

"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," she explained.

"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," Bond added.

The Duke of Sussex has publicly expressed his desire to see more of his family, yet faces continued resistance from both his father and brother.

A significant barrier to reconciliation appears to be Prince Harry's ongoing legal dispute with the Home Office regarding security arrangements.

Bond continued to tell OK! magazine: "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."

The situation places King Charles in a particularly difficult position.

"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," Bond explained.

The legal battle continues to create complications for any potential family reunions, making reconciliation efforts increasingly challenging.

Prince William has shown no indication of wanting to repair his relationship with his younger brother.

"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," Bond continued.

Meanwhile, the Sussexes have made moves to establish closer ties to Europe, with their recent property purchase in Portugal.

The acquisition appears to be motivated by family considerations.

"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," Bond noted.

The Portugal move suggests Harry's desire to maintain European connections for his children, despite the ongoing family tensions.

The prospect of a Royal Family Christmas reunion appears unlikely this year, according to commentators.

Royal author Richard Fitzwilliams suggests that due to the "huge rift", Harry and Meghan are unlikely to receive an invitation to the royal festivities.

The couple previously spent Christmas at Sandringham in 2017 and 2018, with Meghan making history as the first fiancée to receive an invitation.

"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," Fitzwilliams told the Express.

He added that this exclusion is "what has happened this year and what is likely to happen in the foreseeable future."

The Sussexes are expected to spend the festive season away from the Royal Family, continuing the pattern of recent years.