As Prince Harry prepares to return to the UK for a service marking the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games, royal expert Jennie Bond has suggested that the Duke of Sussex's grievances against his family appear "pathetic" in comparison to the "very real" health crisis faced by his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. The Princess of Wales recently revealed her cancer diagnosis, which has shifted the focus of the royal family and put the ongoing rift between Harry and his brother, Prince William, into perspective.
In an interview with OK! magazine, Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, stated, "As regards to William, that does appear to be a terminally damaged relationship. In a way, it seems the boot is now very much on the other foot. Previously it was Harry who was the 'victim' looking for an apology for all his perceived grievances."
Bond went on to argue that Harry's grievances "must seem utterly trivial, even to Harry, in the face of a very real problem: cancer. Catherine and William are involved in a frightening fight and I don't think they have the will or the strength to confront someone, even a brother, who picked a fight over issues that seem pathetic by comparison."
The expert's comments highlight the stark contrast between the seriousness of Kate's health battle and the ongoing tension between the royal brothers, which has been a source of public fascination and speculation since Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020.
Despite the fractured relationship between the brothers, it appears that Harry will have an opportunity to meet with his father, King Charles, during his upcoming visit to London. A source told OK!, "Harry has kept in regular contact with his father on several occasions and made no secret of his desire to see him when he can. He has been especially concerned about him and hopes the King will be well and able to see him as planned."
Royal sources have indicated that despite his busy schedule, King Charles intends to make time to see his estranged son. The meeting would mark Harry's second visit to the UK this year, following a brief 30-minute meeting with his father in February, just a day after it was announced that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer.
While the upcoming meeting between Harry and King Charles is seen as a positive step in their relationship, the same cannot be said for the bond between the Duke of Sussex and his brother. A source noted, "Their relationship remains extremely fractured. Harry has privately expressed a wish to sit down with his brother but now is not the time."
As Prince William focuses on supporting his wife through her cancer battle, royal expert Jennie Bond believes that the Prince of Wales is doing everything in his power to protect Kate from media scrutiny. "William is doing everything he possibly can to protect his wife and I very much doubt that they want to deal with 'the Harry problem' right now, if ever," Bond stated.
Following his brief visit to the UK, Prince Harry is set to join his wife, Meghan Markle, in Nigeria, where the couple has been invited to take part in cultural activities and meet with military staff in connection with the Invictus Games. The trip to the African nation, which Meghan has revealed holds a special place in her heart due to her Nigerian heritage, will be the couple's first visit to the country.
