Prince Harry revealed in his memoir that his attempt to reconcile with his brother, Prince William, was met with a dismissive retort. The revelation adds another layer to the publicized rift that has strained their once close relationship.
The Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales, who once shared a bond forged by family tragedy and royal duty, have been on opposite sides since Harry and his wife Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal roles and relocated to the United States in early 2020. Prince Harry’s tell-all memoir "Spare," released in 2023, provided a candid look into the brothers' strained relationship.
According to The Mirror U.K., Prince Harry recounted a particularly stark exchange with Prince William when he sought to mend fences. "You left, Harold," William allegedly said, a remark that Harry described as cold and dismissive. Harry responded, "Yeah, and you know why," to which William retorted, "I don't."
This brief but telling interaction underscores the deep-rooted tension between King Charles III's sons. Prince Harry expressed his sorrow over their fractured relationship in his memoir. "My beloved brother, my arch nemesis, how had that happened?" he wrote, reflecting on their estrangement. "I felt massively tired. I wanted to go home, and I realized what a complicated concept home had become."
The last time the brothers were publicly seen together was in September 2022, following the death of their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. They also both attended her funeral and King Charles’ coronation in 2023, but there were no signs of reconciliation during these events.
Despite the shared moments of mourning and celebration, the rift appears far from healed. In November of the previous year, a royal insider told Entertainment Tonight that the relationship between Harry and William had "not improved" since the release of "Spare." "There is no real trust at the moment, and that needs to be rebuilt," the source explained, highlighting the enduring pain on both sides.
The recent cancer diagnoses of their father, King Charles, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, had sparked some hope among royal watchers that the shared family crises might bring the brothers closer. However, royal expert Katie Nicholl told ET earlier this month that relations between the siblings remain "at an all-time low."
The deepening rift is not just a matter of personal grief for the two brothers but also a significant public concern, given their prominent roles in the British monarchy. Prince Harry’s move to the United States and his subsequent public disclosures have dramatically altered the dynamics within the royal family.
In "Spare," Prince Harry delved into his motivations for leaving the royal fold, citing the intense media scrutiny and lack of support as critical factors. These revelations, while providing context, have done little to bridge the gap with Prince William, who has reportedly felt betrayed by his brother's actions and public statements.
The enduring tension between Prince Harry and Prince William poses a complex challenge for the royal family, as they navigate public expectations and private grievances. While both brothers have committed to their respective roles and responsibilities, their inability to reconcile remains a poignant reminder of the personal cost of public duty.