The Choreography of Avoidance
Harry returns for his High Court moment, the King decamps to Scotland, and everyone pretends it’s all perfectly normal
Well, here we are again. The Duke of Sussex reportedly flying in from California for another round of litigation, the King conveniently scheduled to be in Scotland during the relevant dates, and the Palace making absolutely certain no one can accuse them of coordination whilst coordinating rather carefully indeed.
One must admire the choreography, even if the underlying situation remains deeply unfortunate.
It is said Prince Harry will return to London for another trial.
The last time Harry was in the UK, in September, he managed a 50 minute meeting with his father at Clarence House. First time they had seen each other in 19 months, which rather speaks volumes about where things stand. That meeting was widely reported as a thaw in relations, a step toward reconciliation, all very heartening if one is inclined toward optimism about such matters.
And yet, when Harry returns this month, there will be no repeat performance. The King will be in Scotland, as he typically is for much of January, taking his customary break from public duties. Perfectly reasonable. Entirely coincidental, I’m sure.
