The once inseparable royal brothers, Prince William and Prince Harry, find themselves at an impasse that many believe may never be bridged. The depth of their estrangement has been highlighted by recent reports, suggesting that the Prince of Wales, William, has "no intention" of reconciling with his younger sibling, Harry.
The discord between the two princes has been simmering for years but intensified after Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, entered the royal scene in 2016. Veteran royal commentator, Jennie Bond, remarked, "There is no way back for the brothers. I just can't see it." She further elaborated on the entrenched positions both have taken, noting the absence of any communication during Harry's recent visits to the U.K. "William is hurt so deeply that I think he probably just blanks Harry out of his mind most of the time. He has moved on with his life, and I guess so has Harry," Bond added.
The chasm between the brothers widened after the release of Harry's memoir, "Spare." In it, Harry made startling revelations, including an accusation that William physically assaulted him during a 2019 argument centered around Meghan. He also claimed that it was William and his wife, Kate Middleton, who persuaded him to wear a Nazi uniform to a party in 2005, an incident that caused significant public outrage.
Further strains were evident when reports emerged of a fallout between Meghan Markle and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, in May 2018. Dubbed the "bridesmaid dress fiasco," it involved Princess Charlotte and led to a souring of relations between the two duchesses. Each has been said to have made the other cry over the incident. This early rift between the duchesses was further exacerbated by the Prince of Wales' apparent disapproval of the Duchess of Sussex.
Adding salt to the wound, Prince William recently downplayed Harry's 39th birthday. When reminded of the occasion by a royal enthusiast, the Prince of Wales responded, "It is his birthday today - you're absolutely right, it is. No, I've not forgotten," before departing without extending any birthday wishes to Harry.
The ongoing animosity between the brothers would undoubtedly distress their late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and the recently deceased Queen Elizabeth II. Both royals would likely be deeply saddened by the current state of affairs between the first and fifth in line to the throne. A palace insider poignantly remarked, "Life is short. Like what was seen with King George VI and the former King Edward VIII, it is a shame these once close-knit brothers cannot put aside their petty differences before it's too late."
As of now, there are no foreseeable events that might bring the two princes together, leaving many to wonder if the royal rift will ever heal.
