As the relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William continues to deteriorate, a book written by journalist and royal author Robert Jobson in 2013 offers a glimpse into their childhood interactions and how these might have shaped their adult lives. The book, The New Royal Family: Prince George, William and Kate, The Next Generation, provides insights into the dynamics between the brothers during their formative years and how these might influence their future roles within the royal family.
The book describes the playful yet intense fights between the young princes, revealing that their mother, Princess Diana, encouraged their boisterous behavior. Ken Wharfe, a former Royal protection officer who was interviewed for the book, shared his experiences of overseeing the young princes. Wharfe, who was often seen as a parental figure, recalled, "William and Harry were such fun-loving children. They loved to play fight and when they hit each other they meant it. Sometimes when I tried to break up the fights, I was on the receiving end of their punches."
Wharfe emphasized that Diana believed it was beneficial for the boys to engage in such rough-and-tumble play, saying, "Diana thought it was good for them to just be boys." This playful rivalry, however, has seemingly transformed into a more serious rift in their adult lives.
Recent reports suggest that Prince William has taken a firm stance within the royal family, much like his grandfather, the late Prince Philip. A source told the Daily Beast, "There is a sense that William has stepped into the Prince Philip role. Philip ruled the family with a rod of iron... Now William is calling the shots when it comes to family discipline." This assertive role includes an "absolute ban on Harry returning in any way, shape or form to the family fold," according to the source.
Paul Burrell, a former royal butler, has also commented on the strained relationship between the brothers. In an interview with Closer Magazine, Burrell stated, "William knows that Harry can't be trusted and doesn't want any more upset in his family." He added, "William won't take any more cheap shots from across the Atlantic. He doesn't care anymore. He doesn't listen to the noise in the background-and that's what Harry and Meghan have become."
The book by Jobson also highlights how Prince William's upbringing might influence his own parenting style with his children, particularly Prince George. Wharfe noted, "Prince William's own childhood is the blueprint he and Kate will base their own family life on." This suggests that the lessons learned from his childhood, both the positive and negative aspects, will play a significant role in how he raises his children.
Despite their once close bond, the differences between the brothers have grown more pronounced over the years. Harry's departure from royal duties and his subsequent revelations in various interviews and his memoir, Spare, have further strained the relationship. The Duke of Sussex's public criticism of the royal family, particularly regarding his brother and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, has created a chasm that seems difficult to bridge.
The ongoing tensions have not only affected the brothers but also the wider royal family. The source mentioned earlier likened William's current role to that of Prince Philip, indicating that he has taken on a more disciplinarian approach to maintain order within the family. This shift in dynamics underscores the challenges the royal family faces in navigating internal conflicts while maintaining their public image.
As the rift continues, it remains to be seen whether Prince Harry and Prince William can reconcile. The historical context provided by Jobson's book offers a poignant reminder of their shared past and the complex interplay of familial bonds, duty, and personal grievances that define their relationship today.
