(Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Eddie Mulholland)
The British Royal Family faced its most significant rift when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their roles as senior royals. Tensions between Prince Harry and his elder brother, Prince William—heir to the throne—have only deepened, with William reportedly already shaping his vision for the monarchy when he becomes king.
According to The Express, a source revealed, “William is already planning for when he becomes King, and he doesn’t see a future for the Sussexes in the Royal Family. The feeling is that allowing the Sussexes back into the fold is a bad move and they should be resigned to the fringes indefinitely.” This decision comes against the backdrop of years of conflict, exacerbated by Prince Harry’s tell-all memoir, Spare.
In Spare, Harry alleged that William physically attacked him during a heated argument at Kensington Palace and disclosed other private disputes. However, reports of the strained relationship first surfaced in November 2018. Royal reporter Katie Nicholl revealed that friction arose during Christmas of that year, when Harry accused William of “not doing enough to include Meghan in the royal family.”
A source shared with Nicholl, “Harry felt William wasn’t rolling out the red carpet for Meghan and told him so. They had a bit of a fallout, which was only resolved when Charles stepped in and asked William to make an effort. That’s when the Cambridges invited the Sussexes to spend Christmas with them.”
As of 2024, Harry has reportedly expressed to close friends his willingness to resume some royal duties, especially after King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis. However, according toThe Mirror, an insider stated that William remains firm in his stance. “Whatever has been discussed between William and the King is private, but it is absolutely and categorically clear that [William] would not allow Harry to return. He thought it was a bad idea at the time and he’s even more clear now.”
Earlier this year, Harry’s strained relationship with William was highlighted again at the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster. While both brothers were invited, Harry chose not to attend. According to The Times, “A civilised understanding was reached between the Duke and Harry over the phone which ultimately led to the royal not attending the nuptials.
After all, William was called to be an usher at the wedding, which would have been beyond awkward if he was obliged to show Harry to his pew.” The divide between the brothers continues to cast a shadow over the royal family, with reconciliation seeming increasingly unlikely.
