King Charles appeared to set aside the ongoing royal feud with Prince Harry – but one royal expert has poured water on reconciliation hopes.

Prince Harry and the King pictured in 2022 (Image: GETTY)

King Charles’s apparent “olive branch” to Prince Harry on Sunday has been snubbed by a royal expert. In a shock to many royal experts and fans, the King appeared to set aside the Royal Family’s tensions by sending public birthday wishes to the Duke of Sussex.

Harry, who now resides in the US, celebrated his milestone 40th birthday on Sunday. Although many would like to believe the tensions could be subsiding, royal expert Michael Cole said that it appears the gesture done by the royals – in particular the Prince of Wales – was merely them “obliging to do the right thing”.

He, adding that Harry and William are “still at war” despite the birthday wishes, told GB News: “I think the fragility, the coldness that exist will continue at the moment”.

The Royal Family’s official X and Instagram accounts shared a picture of a smiling Harry, with the caption: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”

The accounts for the Prince and Princess of Wales shared the same image, accompanied with the words, “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex”.

Speaking in July, sources told PEOPLE that Harry’s feud with William is “very bad” – but not “irreparable”.

They added that Harry has made attempSet featured imagets to connect with his father and brother through calls, texts, and letters – but these have gone unanswered.

It was previously reported that the Duke of Sussex was planning a lads’ holiday to mark his milestone birthday.

The royal was rumoured to be going to a retreat in California with a few of his “closest mates” – some of whom may fly over from the UK.

The Prince of Wales also wished Harry a happy birthday despite the feud (Image: GETTY)

The celebrations were set to take place after spending his actual birthday with Meghan Markle and their two children – Archie and Lilibet – at their mansion in Montecito.

Prince Harry has not been in the UK since May when he came back to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Invictus Games. There are no confirmed plans for him to make a return visit currently.