Prince William is reportedly still reeling from the betrayal and finding it difficult to reconcile with his younger brother, Prince Harry.
Prince Harry’s return to England in July with the Duchess of Sussex Meghan and their two children was expected to open up opportunities for mending relationships within the royal family. However, many experts believe the relationship between Harry and his older brother, Prince William, remains the most deeply fractured.
Amanda Matta, co-host of the podcast Off With Their Headlines, told Page Six that it’s difficult to expect a reconciliation between the two brothers at this time. “William has kept his distance for years and still sees what Harry did as an unforgivable betrayal,” she said.
According to Matta, the heir to the throne is currently focused on building an image of a strong leader and often handles family matters more rationally than emotionally.
Royal journalist Emily Nash also believes Harry’s upcoming return to England is unlikely to create a turning point in the relationship between the two brothers. “I don’t think anything will happen on this trip. If they have a chance to meet, they might be in the same place, but given the current level of tension, I don’t see them rushing to spend time together just because Harry is back in England,” she said.
According to Nash, King Charles III is unlikely to act as a mediator. “I think the King is only interested in seeing Harry again after a long separation, especially the opportunity to see his grandchildren,” she said.
Amanda Matta commented that if William and Harry have a private meeting, it would be a sign that the two sides are reopening channels of communication.
However, Emily Nash believes that healing will take time. “When the wounds have lasted for so many years, no one can expect things to change overnight,” she said.
Last week, US media confirmed that Harry and Meghan would bring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet back to the UK for the first time since 2022. A source said Harry was “eager” for his children to meet their grandfather.
Subsequently, British media reported that King Charles III had extended an olive branch, inviting Harry and Meghan to stay at a royal residence during their visit next month, and offering to assist with security matters.
Harry and Meghan left the royal family in 2020 and moved to California. Since then, their relationship with Prince William and Princess Kate has become increasingly strained, especially after Harry released his memoir Spare and made several controversial revelations about his family.
