For a man whose life and identity have long been rooted in the U.K. and the monarchy, this marks a painful chapter. Harry was once a prominent member of the royal family, known for his military service and his dedication to charitable causes.

But in the years since his departure, his relationships within the family have strained, his every move has been scrutinized, and the battle over security has become central to his story—one he sees as vital to protecting Meghan and their children.

The court’s decision on May 2 confirmed the government’s position, stating that Harry’s need for protection would be evaluated individually, rather than granted by default. The ruling effectively closes the door on one of Harry’s final avenues for safely reconnecting with his home country on his terms.

Still, Harry remains unwavering in prioritizing his family’s safety, even if that means maintaining distance from the U.K. and from family members—most notably his father, King Charles, from whom he remains estranged as the monarch faces a battle with cancer.

“I would love reconciliation with my family,” Harry said in his BBC interview. “There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.

“Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has. He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff. But it would be nice to reconcile.”

As his legal fight over security comes to a turning point, it has underscored that the divide between Harry and his family remains unresolved.

“I don’t think there is any rapprochement,” a palace source told PEOPLE. “Nothing has changed.”

Another insider added of the father and son relationship: “They are distant.”