The ongoing feud between Prince Harry and Prince William has far-reaching consequences, extending beyond the brothers themselves to their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Sources close to the royal family reveal that the strained relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the royal family has created significant challenges for the younger generation, particularly in their relationship with King Charles.
The Prince of Wales, Prince William, appears less inclined than his father, King Charles, to reconcile with Harry and Meghan, who relocated to the United States in 2020. King Charles, currently battling cancer, managed a brief reunion with Prince Harry in February this year, a 30-minute meeting at Clarence House. However, Prince William did not participate in this meeting, nor did he attend Prince Harry's Invictus Games anniversary service at St. Paul's Cathedral in May.
According to reports, William harbors deep resentment towards Harry and Meghan for their actions, which he believes have significantly hurt his wife, Princess Kate.
In his memoir "Spare" and various interviews, Prince Harry has accused his brother of failing to protect his younger children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, from the pitfalls of being a 'spare,' a term he uses to describe his own royal experience. Additionally, the Sussexes' Netflix docuseries portrayed William and Kate as overly formal and not inclined to affectionate displays, a depiction that further strained their relationship.
A source told the Daily Mail that Prince William has effectively "turned the page" on his relationship with Harry. "The trust that was implicit in [William's] relationship with Harry is gone for good," the source said. "Even if it is possible that some kind of managed reconciliation could be achieved, it will never be anything more than superficial."
King Charles, on the other hand, yearns for a closer relationship with his Sussex grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet. The children have not visited the UK since June 2022 when they attended Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. The King hopes to develop a bond with Archie and Lilibet similar to what he enjoys with Prince William and Kate's three children. "The King hankers for the day when he can see his Sussex grandchildren without the rancor that seems permanently to surround relations with his California-based son," the insider added.
The royal family dynamic has been complicated further by contrasting public statements and actions. Harry's continued criticism of royal life and his family's handling of various issues has left deep scars. Friends of the royal family note that the bond between William and his father has grown stronger over the past year, partly due to the pressures and responsibilities of their royal duties and King Charles's health challenges. "They don't talk about the past, and Charles feels lucky that the two of them can talk about 'the job,'" a friend said. "The illnesses have increased the bond between them, but there is also greater tolerance between the two men."
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan's life in California has led to a different set of challenges and adjustments. Meghan has reportedly been protective of their children, trying to manage their expectations about their royal heritage. Royal expert Tom Quinn noted Meghan's concerns about Archie becoming overly fascinated with his royal connections. "Archie loves the idea that his grandad lives in a castle," Quinn said. "She doesn't want Britain to become a longed-for fantasy for her son."
Despite the tensions, the Sussexes have expressed contentment with their life in California. "We're just doing great. And happy to be watching our family grow up and evolve. Of course, I'm happy. We're really happy," Meghan said during a trip to Nigeria in May. Harry added, "You know what Africa means to me over the years. It is a very, very special place, and to be able to include Nigeria now [in the Invictus Games], I'm very happy."
