Several royal experts have thoughts on the future of Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationship, and it seems there’s no faith for a reconciliation between the brothers.
“The rift is very profound and very long-lasting,” British historian Robert Lacey told People in their royal family cover story released on Tuesday, August 12. “It will not be changed, in my opinion, until Harry makes a move and apologizes.”
Harry, 40, and William, 43, have been at odds for years, but the tension between the brothers was made public in 2020 after the Duke of Sussex and wife Meghan Markle announced their decision to part ways from the royal family.
“Things were said that sparked the initial rift, and it’s never healed,” Princess Diana biographer Andrew Morton told People. Harry offered insight into the early days of his feud with William in his 2023 memoir, Spare. The book revealed an apparent confrontation in 2019 that resulted in an alleged physical altercation between the two. (William has never publicly addressed Harry’s book.)
Related: Prince Harry’s Prince William Feud Is ‘Different Beast’ Than Rift With Dad
Prince Harry’s ongoing feud with his brother, Prince William, is a far different animal than his rift with his father, King Charles. “I think that Harry’s relationship with his brother is a different beast than his relationship with his father,” royal expert Kristen Meinzer exclusively tells Us Weekly. “But perhaps if Charles warms more to […]
Morton also referred to the feud as a “great loss for the monarchy,” explaining that if the late Diana were still alive, she “would have tried to act as a peacemaker” between the brothers. (Diana died at age 36 in August 1997 following a car crash in Paris.)
Royal historian Amanda Foreman hinted to People that “everyone” wants a reconciliation for William and Harry “to happen on their terms,” noting that’s the part that “makes it impossible.”
While Harry and William aren’t any closer to being on solid ground, things between the Duke of Sussex and his father, King Charles III, might be headed in a different direction. It’s been widely reported that Harry and Charles’ teams have talked, with rumors of a reconciliation on the horizon.
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Tuesday’s People story also hinted that there could be a face-to-face meeting between Harry and Charles, 76, next month. The Duke of Sussex is set to return to the U.K. in September for his duties as the patron of WellChild. This would mark the first time Harry and Charles have seen each other in person after the king went public with his cancer diagnosis in February 2024. (Us Weekly has reached out for comment.)
Related: Princes Harry and William Would Only Reunite at Father’s Funeral: Source
Don’t expect Prince William and Prince Harry to reunite while their father, King Charles III, is still alive — at least according to one source. “The funeral of Charles would be the first time that courtiers would imagine [them reuniting],” an insider exclusively told Us Weekly in this week’s cover story. “I can’t imagine William […]
Speculation about the status of Harry and Charles’ relationship came in June after news of a secret meeting between their teams. It was widely reported that the discussion was about a possible resolution between the father and son.
Us understands that Chief Communications Officer to the Duke and Duchess Meredith Maines was in London for routine meetings to meet with the U.K.-based communications team, media, stakeholders and senior figures connected to the Duke’s patronages.