Prince Harry sat down with BBC News today to address his ongoing security dispute, but the discussion quickly turned toward his family — which has historically led to trouble for him.

During the interview, Harry opened up about his latest legal defeat and how the security disagreement has strained his relationship with his father, King Charles, who, as it turns out, is no longer speaking to him.

Until now, it hadn’t been clear whether there was any direct communication between Harry and the King. But Harry confirmed during the live broadcast that they are not currently in contact.

At one point in the interview, Harry appeared hesitant, as though weighing his words carefully. He paused, seemingly unsure whether to speak his mind — but ultimately did.

“There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore, life is precious, I don’t know… how much longer… my father… has… umm… he… won’t speak to me… cause of this security stuff,” Harry said.

His appearance on BBC News toward the end of the week caught many off guard, and royal expert Pauline Maclaran shared that sentiment.

“I am rather surprised about his interview but I suspect it’s an immediate reaction to the security decision and his disappointment over the verdict,” said Maclaran, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Research at Royal Holloway, University of London.

She continued: “He is an emotional guy and I think he’s trying to put the ball in his family’s court, so to speak, regarding a reconciliation.”

While it’s one thing to discuss legal matters publicly, bringing private family issues into the spotlight again — especially after past controversies — is another matter entirely.

Harry himself acknowledged this, mentioning that some family members are still hurt over his book and may never forgive him. Though he expressed hope for reconciliation, his recent remarks — particularly his comments about King Charles’ health — may have stirred a new controversy.

“I’m surprised also that he spoke so candidly and I don’t think it was really appropriate for him to refer to not knowing how long his father has,” Maclaran said.

She added: “Again, Harry is making it seem like he is the victim here, the fact that his father won’t speak with him because of his security battle.”

“I suppose he is hoping to provoke some kind of reaction from the royals.”