- The deep divide between Princes Harry and William has cast a cloud over any hopes of mending their relationship.
- Harry’s open disclosures in his memoir and their strained public encounters highlight the complexity of their relationship.
- Amid these public revelations and personal disputes, a key question arises: Can time heal the rift between the royal brothers?

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana in Kensington Palace, London on July 1, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
The only offspring of King Charles III and his late ex-wife, Princess Diana, Princes William and Harry, are at odds. The public has long perceived the brothers as united, their bond forged not only by their royal duties but also by the shared tragedy of losing their beloved mother at a young age.

Prince William and Prince Harry during their mother’s funeral service at Westminster Abbey on September 06, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
However, reality paints a different picture, revealing a relationship that has been slowly but surely deteriorating over time. As such, Prince Harry’s bold decision to step down from his role as a senior royal, and his relocation to the United States with his family, further distanced him from his brother both physically and symbolically.
Over time, Harry has not shied away from discussing this rift publicly, even sharing intimate details in his bestselling memoir, “Spare.” The title of the memoir aptly reflects Harry’s position as the second son of the King.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge stand at the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
While the succession to the throne is governed not only by bloodline but also by Parliamentary statute, the sequence of succession outlines the order in which members of the Royal Family stand in line to the throne. Prince William holds the foremost position, succeeded by his three children, while his brother, Harry, is positioned fifth in line.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend an Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving on April 25, 2018 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The rift between the once close brothers came to the fore in 2020. This was when Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made the unprecedented decision to step down from their royal duties and relocate to North America.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the annual Remembrance Sunday service on November 10, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The couple had a vision of dividing their time between the United Kingdom and North America, a move they believed would allow them to fulfill their obligations to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and their patronages, while also providing their son with an understanding of the royal tradition into which he was born.
However, their proposal for a “half in, half out” approach, which would allow them to have their careers and financial independence while still supporting the Queen, was swiftly rejected, with reports that William even yelled at Harry.

Prince Harry and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the England v Wales match during the Rugby World Cup 2015 on September 26, 2015 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The couple later talked about their decision, citing the lack of support and protection they felt from the royal institution, as well as the negative and racially charged press coverage they received, as the primary reasons for their departure.
The royal family’s response, questioning why Meghan couldn’t handle the pressures that others had endured, further deepened the divide. Harry even suggested that his father and brother were ensnared within the system. He acknowledged that Meghan’s experience was different from others in the family, and it was unjust to expect her to withstand the same pressures.
During Meghan’s pregnancy with Archie, there were concerns within the royal family about the potential skin color of their unborn child, she revealed in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. This revelation, along with discussions about Archie’s future, and that he wouldn’t be given security and a title, played a significant role in their decision to leave the UK.
Meghan did not reveal who had raised the concerns about her son’s skin color, but she clarified that it was not Harry’s grandparents. The couple also opened up about the severe impact of racism on Meghan’s mental health, to the extent that she considered suicide. Meghan shared her feelings of despair with Harry, confessing, “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.”

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex leave The Ziegfeld Theatre on May 16, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In the “Harry & Meghan” Netflix docuseries, Meghan depicted their life within the royal family as being under constant control, to the point where she couldn’t even share a photo with her friends. Despite the rift and the challenges they faced, Harry is open to mending his relationship with his family.
He stated that the onus was on them to engage in a discussion about the issues at hand. While he affirmed his belief in the monarchy, he was unsure about his future role within it, but he also expressed a longing to reconnect with his loved ones, saying, “I would like to get my father back. I would like to have my brother back.”

Prince William and Prince Harry visit The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace on August 30, 2017 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
At their father’s coronation, the brothers, who hadn’t seen each other for nearly eight months, appeared to keep their distance. William, who was there with his wife and children, and Harry, who attended solo, didn’t seem to interact during the service at Westminster Abbey.

Prince William and Prince Harry at Westminster Abbey in London on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
William, being next in line for the throne, was part of a procession that included his wife, Catherine, and their children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte. Harry, conversely, entered the church alongside his cousins, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and sat with them, a few rows behind William and his family. His wife Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, remained in California and didn’t attend the coronation.

Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Princess Catherine, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh with Prince Harry (3rd row 4th right) at the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The last time Harry had been seen publicly with his royal family was at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral the previous September. Following the death of their grandmother, an event was organized to celebrate her life, followed by a relaxed dinner. William and his wife invited Harry and Meghan, suggesting they join the police escort back to Windsor, as they were all heading in the same direction. However, this was a small gesture and far from reconciliation.

Prince William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II on September 14, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
A few months later, Harry published a memoir, “Spare,” which candidly discussed the strains within his immediate family, particularly with William. The book was not all gloom and in it, he recalled some special moments, including his brother’s wedding and their first pregnancy, expressing his joy for them and his decision to give William the sapphire ring he inherited from their mother.
Still, a dark cloud hung over their heads, and the divide between the brothers deepened in the months following their grandmother’s funeral, especially after the release of Harry and Meghan’s Netflix docuseries and Harry’s memoir.