Prince Harry invoked the theme of sibling relationships during a London charity event this week, even as his own strained ties with Prince William cast a shadow over his first extended visit to the U.K. in months.
The Duke of Sussex traveled from California for a four-day series of engagements, beginning with a private tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on the third anniversary of her death. Harry laid a wreath and flowers at the late monarch's tomb inside St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Monday morning.
Just seven miles away, William and the Princess of Wales marked the anniversary at the National Federation of Women's Institutes in Sunningdale, where they joined members for cake and conversation about the Queen's long-standing ties to the organization. Despite their proximity, the brothers made no effort to see each other.
Later that day, Harry attended the WellChild Awards, where he met with 17-year-old honoree Declan Bitmead. Asking about family life, Harry quipped, "Does he drive you mad?" when told Declan had a younger brother. When the teenager replied that they got along well, Harry responded with a knowing smile: "You know what - siblings." He added, "You're at the same school, that sometimes makes it more challenging."
The exchange resonated given Harry's past recollections of friction with William during their school years. In his memoir Spare, Harry wrote that William told him to "pretend I didn't know him" when the two attended Eton College, describing his elder brother as eager to keep his social circle free of a younger sibling's presence.
Royal observers noted the contrast between the brothers' public remarks. While Harry leaned on humor and self-deprecation-joking to Declan about his own appearance, saying, "I'm bald and ginger. And worst of all, I've got a ginger beard-you're thinking, phew"-William emphasized his grandmother's passion for horses and remarked, "Can't believe it's three years - goes quite quick."
Harry's lodging arrangements underscored the ongoing chill. He is reported to be staying at a hotel rather than a royal residence, and aides have signaled no planned meeting with King Charles, who is in Scotland. The two last saw each other in February 2024, when Harry made a brief trip after learning of the King's cancer diagnosis.
While Harry has previously said he hopes for "reconciliation" with his family, he acknowledged some members "will never forgive me for writing a book." His comments this week, blending humor with candor, suggest the gulf between the brothers remains unchanged, despite occasional gestures from aides on both sides to reopen lines of communication.
