Prince William Stands Firm Against Estranged Brother Harry, Say Royal Experts
Prince William remains resolute in his stance regarding his estranged brother, Prince Harry, showing no sign of softening his position, according to royal experts. The Prince of Wales, 42, has reportedly not spoken to Harry for over a year, with their relationship deteriorating further after the release of Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” in January 2023.
“There’s going to be no softening of the adamantine response to what he’s done,” said Michael Cole, a former BBC royal correspondent, speaking to GB News. “He’s done the unthinkable. In this life, most men can put up with insults, it happens. You get insulted. What they cannot put up with are two things which they cannot abide: their driving ability and criticism of their wife.”
The royal feud intensified when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and relocated to the United States. Their subsequent interviews and Harry’s memoir further strained relations, with Harry accusing his brother and sister-in-law, Princess Kate, of various slights.
Royal commentator Ingrid Seward noted the deep impact of the rift on Prince William, stating, “William is sensitive, he likes structure and has perseverance. He does not give up easily. His relationship with brother Harry upset him more than he would care to admit. But he found it easier to cut ties rather than allow himself to be continually annoyed.”
Despite reports suggesting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had reached out for reconciliation, it appears that a reunion is not forthcoming. Michael Cole emphasized that William remains firm in his decision, asserting that the future king is “adamant” about not allowing Harry back into the royal fold. “There’s going to be no softening of his adamantine response to what he’s done,” Cole said. “Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have made no secret of their disdain for Princess Kate.”
The strained relationship between the brothers was highlighted once more when Princess Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis in a prerecorded video message in March. Harry and Meghan’s public statement of support was viewed as insufficient by some, including Michael Cole. “Even when her cancer was diagnosed and she announced it herself, the message they sent was sort of a mealy-mouthed thing,” Cole remarked.
The rift between the brothers has roots in several public and private grievances. One notable incident occurred in 2005 when Harry wore a Nazi costume to a party, a decision he later blamed partially on the influence of William and Kate in a Netflix documentary. Harry called the costume “one of the biggest mistakes of my life.”
Additionally, in “Spare,” Harry recounted a clash between Meghan and Kate, where Meghan allegedly referred to Kate as having “baby brain” shortly after the birth of Prince Louis. The comment reportedly offended Kate, deepening the divide between the couples.
Despite the ongoing family drama, Prince William is seen as maintaining a strong command over royal matters. Michael Cole commended William’s leadership, especially in light of his father’s health and Kate’s ongoing cancer treatment. “He’s showing a strong will,” Cole said. “He’s showing a strong command of things, and a willingness to speak frankly about things he likes and doesn’t like.”
The unresolved tensions between Prince William and Prince Harry continue to cast a shadow over the royal family. As the heir to the throne, William’s firm stance on his brother’s actions underscores the deep divisions that have emerged within the family. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan’s life in the U.S. and their ongoing public disclosures add to the complexities of any potential reconciliation.
This familial strife comes at a time when the monarchy is navigating significant changes and challenges. King Charles III’s reign, coupled with the evolving roles of other senior royals, places additional pressure on the institution to present a united front. William’s unwavering position on Harry suggests that, for now, unity remains elusive.