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Prince William showed strong disgust upon learning of the reunion between his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince Harry, which took place on September 10, 2025, at Clarence House in London. The 54-minute meeting marked the first in-person contact between the monarch and his younger son in 19 months, driven by Charles’ desire to reconnect the family after prolonged tensions. Sources close to the royal family indicate that William, the direct heir to the throne, viewed the event as an undue interference by Harry in their father’s affections.
William’s absence from his brother’s schedule during Harry’s visit to the UK underscores the ongoing rift between the princes, who have not met since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022. Kate Middleton, William’s wife, acted as a mediator, suggesting compassion and an opportunity for family peace amid the king’s efforts to ease internal divisions.
The meeting included a brief call from Meghan Markle to the king, intensifying William’s perception that the Sussexes aim to maintain influence within the monarchy.
- Exact duration of the meeting: 54 minutes, without aides present.
- Main motivation: The king’s longing for his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet, absent for over three years.
- Visit context: Harry attended the WellChild Awards, a charity event in London.
Details of the Clarence House reunion
King Charles III traveled from Scotland to London specifically for the meeting with Harry, highlighting the priority given to reconciliation. The conversation took place privately, focusing on family and philanthropic matters, with no concrete progress on Harry’s return to royal duties.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, joined via phone for part of the meeting, a gesture seen as an attempt at inclusion. William, informed after the fact, expressed frustration for not being consulted beforehand, according to internal sources.
Rei Charles III – Photo: InstagramWilliam’s firm stance against his brother
William views Harry’s initiative as a strategy to preserve royal titles during their father’s reign. He rejects any quick change in his brother’s stance, demanding consistent proof of behavioral change over time.
The irritation stems from past events, such as Harry and Meghan’s resignation in 2020 and revelations in the 2023 memoir “Spare,” which described a physical altercation between the princes. No one in William’s entourage mentions Meghan in his presence, reflecting the level of discomfort.
The Prince of Wales prioritizes the stability of the line of succession, focusing on his children George, Charlotte, and Louis, who take on symbolic roles in official events.
Principe harry e principe william – Foto: Koca Vehbi/ Shutterstock.comKate’s influence on family dynamics
Kate Middleton has positioned herself as a conciliatory voice, urging William to consider the emotional impact on the king. Her intervention came shortly after news of the reunion, in a private conversation at Kensington Palace.
The Princess of Wales, recovered from cancer treatment in 2024, emphasizes the importance of family ties during a transitional period for the monarchy. She and Charles share the view that a truce would benefit the institution’s public image.
This approach contrasts with William’s rigidity, who sees reconciliation as a risk to internal cohesion. Kate continues to support joint engagements, such as school visits, to maintain the family routine.
Charles’ efforts for royal unity
King Charles seeks balance between his sons, driven by fatigue with prolonged disputes. The meeting with Harry represents an initial step, with no promises of reintegration for the Sussexes.
Charles expressed concern about the distance from his grandchildren, proposing future visits under security conditions. Harry, in turn, funds private protection after losing official escort in 2025.
The monarch’s strategy includes subtle negotiations via aides, started in July, to preserve privacy. Despite this, a veto on Harry’s partial return remains firm, prioritizing succession through William.
The king’s well-being, in partial remission from treatment started in 2024, influences decisions, with weekly sessions until stabilization in 2025.
Historical context of the princes’ rift
Tensions between William and Harry date back to the 2000s, worsened by the Sussexes’ exit in 2020. Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022 was their last moment of forced proximity, not repeated at Charles’ coronation in 2023.
Harry alleged in his memoir an assault by William during a discussion about Meghan, an incident not publicly confirmed. The book sold 3.2 million copies globally in 2023, widening the rift.
- Key milestones of estrangement:
- 2018: Discussions about the transition to Windsor.
- 2020: Resignation from royal duties.
- 2021: Oprah Winfrey interview.
- 2023: Release of “Spare.”
Harry’s activities beyond the family
Harry extended his stay in London for the WellChild Awards, supporting 500 families in 2025. He engages with children facing complex conditions, sharing resilience experiences.
Commitments include a reception for Invictus Games veterans and discussions on the Diana Award, which honored 200 young people. These events generate donations and visibility for independent causes.
In the US, the couple manages investments estimated at $60 million, focusing on mental health and rights. The September visit paves the way for ongoing dialogue with Charles, but not with William.
