A day after Prince Harry left the UK, King Charles sent a private message to celebrate Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, expressing warm greetings and admiration for the former president’s public service.

Carter, who served as the U.S. president from 1977 to 1981, marked his milestone birthday on October 1st. Born in Plains, Georgia, on October 1, 1924, Carter has spent more than 80 years engaged in public life, making him a unique figure in both American and British history.

According to a spokesperson for the monarch, King Charles congratulated Carter on becoming the first former president to reach 100 years. This message highlights the special connection between the Carter family and the British royal family, stemming from a memorable dinner in 1977 when Carter dined with Queen Elizabeth II following a NATO ministerial meeting in London.

During that event, a notable moment occurred when Carter took the Queen Mother by the hand and escorted her to greet the other guests, showcasing the warmth of his character.

The personal message from King Charles came just after Prince Harry attended the WellChild Awards in the UK and subsequently flew to South Africa, without meeting his father, who is currently battling cancer. While King Charles would like to see Harry when he visits the UK next week, advisers, including Queen Camilla, are reportedly cautioning against the meeting due to the stress it could cause while he is undergoing treatment.

One source shared with *The Daily Beast* that Camilla prefers Charles to avoid meeting Harry to keep stress levels down, especially given the ongoing cancer treatment. There are concerns among advisers about the potential constitutional issues if Harry were to ask Charles to intervene in his legal disputes regarding his security provision with the British government.

Despite these challenges, Harry has expressed a desire to meet with his father. During his last visit to the UK, he voiced disappointment at not being able to connect with King Charles and hopes for a future meeting. This sentiment appears to put the responsibility on the king to take action regarding their relationship.

Charles’s desire to reconcile with Harry seems to have grown, especially in light of his cancer diagnosis, which has made him more reflective about personal relationships. Friends of the king have suggested that his health struggles have intensified his longing for reconciliation, not only for personal reasons but also to ease pressures on the monarchy. A source mentioned that the king wishes to mend things with both of his sons due to the toll that the public tensions have taken on the royal family.

The complexities of their relationship are compounded by the dynamics within the royal family, particularly with Prince William. Despite sending Harry birthday greetings, the two brothers are reportedly estranged, with William harboring resentment towards Harry for perceived betrayals. This tension complicates any potential reconciliation, as Charles navigates his relationship with both of his sons amid personal health challenges and royal responsibilities.

As King Charles considers how to approach reconciliation with Harry, the royal family’s future dynamics and public perceptions remain a significant concern.