As speculation mounts over Prince Harry's potential return to the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, relationship expert Louella Alderson has warned that the Duke of Sussex and his brother, Prince William, need to address "much deeper issues" before a true reconciliation can occur. The brothers, once known for their close bond, have been embroiled in a highly publicized rift since Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down from their roles in the Royal Family.
According to The Mirror, Alderson emphasized the need for open and honest communication between the brothers, stating, "Given the nature of the rift between the brothers, much deeper issues need to be addressed and resolved for a true reconciliation." She added that this process "could take time and a lot of effort, but it's a necessary step if all parties want to heal broken family relations."
The relationship between the two princes has been strained since Harry and Meghan's departure from the Royal Family, with the Duke of Sussex making several shocking claims about his brother in recent years. In his memoir, Harry accused William of leaving him terrified during a tense meeting, where the Prince of Wales allegedly "screamed and shouted" at him. He also claimed that William referred to Meghan as "difficult," "rude," and "abrasive."
Despite the ongoing tensions, there is growing hope that the brothers may reunite during Harry's upcoming visit to the UK. St. Paul's Cathedral is set to host a special event on May 8 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, a cause close to Harry's heart. Royal author Tom Quinn told The Mirror, "Barring a major upset, Harry will certainly return to the UK for the Invictus games in May - it's his baby."
However, Quinn also noted that if Harry decides not to attend, "it will take some explaining, because everyone will assume it's because he doesn't want the awkwardness of having to meet his brother or having to choose not to meet him."
In a recent appearance on Good Morning America, Harry expressed his desire to return to the UK, stating, "So my family and my life in California is as it is. I have got other trips planned. That would take me through the UK or back to the UK, so you know, I'll stop in and see my family as much as I can."
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes that recent events, such as King Charles and Princess Kate's cancer diagnoses, could serve as a "game-changer" in the brothers' relationship. Speaking to The Sun, Fitzwilliams said, "Serious illness is the big changer, despite everything that's happened, given the seriousness of the situation, anything can happen."
He added, "There could be something that surprises us all. You could have all the Sussexes over here, it's perfectly possible a reunion could happen. Next week, next month, next year, you could get something you never dreamed you'd get."
However, Fitzwilliams acknowledged that the rift between the princes likely won't be an easy fix. Reports suggest that Prince William and Princess Kate have extended an olive branch to the Sussexes by asking the couple to bring their children to the UK, but according to royal author Tom Quinn, "the suggestion is not leading anywhere so far."
