The hidden detail in Prince Harry's recent statement regarding his inability to meet with King Charles during his UK visit has shed light on the true state of his relationship with his brother, Prince William, according to royal historian and author Gareth Russell. Speaking to The Sun's Royal Editor Matt Willkinson, Russell claims that the complete absence of any mention of Prince William in the statement speaks volumes about the widening rift between the two brothers.
The statement, released by Prince Harry's spokesperson, addressed only his father, King Charles, and explained that a meeting would not be possible due to the monarch's busy schedule. However, it notably excluded any reference to Prince William or his wife, Princess Catherine of Wales.
"That's really interesting. I think it's being picked up on that it almost was just taken as read that this time they wouldn't meet, which in itself, the silence tells its own story, doesn't it, that this time, no one expected the two of them to meet," Russell told Willkinson on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show.
The royal expert's comments suggest that the lack of any indication of a potential meeting between the brothers, or even a desire for one, is a clear sign that their relationship remains deeply strained. "We didn't have any leaks coming from either camp that there was going to be a potential meeting where the one wanted it and the one didn't, and that probably suggests that the rift is pretty firmly cemented by the stage," Russell added.
The revelation comes amidst reports that Prince Harry had actually requested to stay at a royal residence during his recent UK trip, a request that was reportedly granted by King Charles. However, according to Roya Nikkhah, the Sunday Times royal editor, Harry ultimately chose to stay in a hotel instead.
Speaking on the podcast The Royals with Roya and Kate, Nikkhah explained, "All the narrative from the moment he touched down and we got that statement from Harry's spokesperson saying it's not possible for Harry to see his father' and 'Harry had said his Pa is too busy to see me," raised eyebrows with her.
Upon further investigation, Nikkhah discovered that "actually, Harry had asked if he could stay and Charles had said yes, come and stay son. You come and stay in a royal residence, you are near where I am so it's going to be much easier for me to see you given what's going on with my diary and your diary."
This revelation, according to The Times assistant editor Kate Mansey, left the King "bruised" by Harry's subsequent statement, further highlighting the strained relationship between father and son.
The widening rift between Prince Harry and Prince William is believed to have been a factor in Harry's decision not to attend the upcoming wedding of their close friend, Hugh Grosvenor, despite Grosvenor being Prince Archie's godfather. Prince William, on the other hand, will be in attendance and has been given the honor of being an usher on the day.
The Times reports that Grosvenor had hoped for both brothers to be present at his wedding to Olivia Henson on June 7 but recognized that their high-profile rift would likely overshadow the couple's big day.
