HENRY NICHOLLS/Getty Images
Prince Harry and Prince William are currently estranged, with tensions running high since the release of Harry’s explosive memoir, Spare. The brothers, once inseparable, are now reportedly not on speaking terms, and the rift between them shows no signs of healing. Amid this royal feud, Prince William, who is destined to be king, has received a stark warning about the potential impact Harry could have on his reign and leadership.
The warning comes from royal expert Tina Brown, as reported by OK! Magazine. Despite Prince Harry’s approval rating dropping in the UK since his move to the U.S. with his wife Meghan Markle, Brown suggests that Harry’s enduring popularity on a global scale could overshadow William’s leadership and future as king.
According to Brown, the dynamic between the brothers mirrors the struggles once faced by Prince Charles and Princess Diana. “The problem is they have very much the same problem that I talked about with Princess Diana and Charles, which was known as the upstage problem,” Brown explained.
The royal expert elaborated on how Harry’s charisma and presence in the public eye could overshadow William’s leadership. “He does upstage William. There’s no doubt about it, you know, on the stage,” Brown said. This “upstage problem” refers to the fact that, despite William’s future role as king, Harry’s personality and popularity continue to capture public attention, potentially diverting focus from William’s royal responsibilities.
However, Brown also believes that despite this potential rivalry, Harry could play a crucial role in William’s reign. She suggested that William might actually need Harry to navigate the complexities of his future leadership, especially when it comes to balancing his royal duties alongside supporting his wife, Kate Middleton, and his father, King Charles III.
Brown’s remarks highlight the unique challenges that lie ahead for Prince William, not just as a future king, but as a brother dealing with the consequences of a deeply personal and public falling out. While William is being groomed to lead the monarchy, Harry’s influence—whether positive or negative—could continue to affect how William is perceived as a leader.
Harry’s memoir Spare, which was released in early 2023, revealed intimate details about the inner workings of the royal family, including his strained relationship with his older brother. The book sent shockwaves through the monarchy, deepening the divide between the brothers and sparking widespread public debate about their future roles.
While Harry and Meghan have stepped back from their official royal duties and settled in the United States, their global fame has not waned. Whether through their philanthropic efforts, media ventures, or Harry’s continued candor about royal life, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain prominent figures in the public eye.
As Prince William prepares to ascend the throne one day, the question remains whether Harry’s influence will help or hinder his leadership. For now, the brothers remain distant, but Brown’s warning serves as a reminder that their paths are still deeply intertwined, and how they navigate their relationship could shape the future of the monarchy.
