The rift between royal brothers Prince William and Prince Harry appears to be deepening, with any reunion between the pair now seeming increasingly unlikely. Now, a royal insider has revealed the one thing William may never be able to forgive his younger brother over.
Harry and Meghan's departure from royal life
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle announced in January 2020 they were stepping down as senior working members of the British royal family. After a brief stint in Canada, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex settled in the US, in the Californian suburb of Montecito.
Ailsa Anderson, Queen Elizabeth II's former press secretary, told People magazine William views Harry's current set-up in America as fundamentally unacceptable. Harry stepped away from royal duties to pursue a life in the US, but Anderson claims there is ongoing frustration over his pursuit of independence while still holding onto the perks of royal life.
William's non-negotiable stance
According to Anderson, the arrangement remains 'a non-negotiable' for William, the heir to the throne. She added: 'He wouldn't countenance any acceptance of it.'
Harry and Meghan's trip to Australia in April looked and felt like a royal tour, but it was not an official visit on behalf of the monarch. Despite a raft of private engagements, the week still carried subtle echoes of regality. Crowded appearances, eager locals bearing gifts, a large media presence and heartfelt meet-and-greets with veterans all added to the royal atmosphere, official or not.
The reception has been mixed, with some praising the couple and others labelling the trip a cash grab. 'It won't help Harry's case or promote good relations,' Anderson claimed.
Harry's response to 'non-working royal' label
During a surprise visit to Ukraine last month, Prince Harry was asked about claims he is now a 'non-working royal' after leaving Britain to become financially independent in the US. The Duke of Sussex dismissed the idea. 'I will always be part of the royal family,' Harry said. 'I am here working, doing the things I was born to do.'
The reported tension between Prince William and Prince Harry, once considered inseparable, has shifted from a private sibling rift into a very public feud. The breakdown of their relationship is rumoured to be widely linked to Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle, his departure from royal life and the airing of grievances through interviews and books.
Last public appearance together
Prince Harry and Prince William were last seen together at their father King Charles' coronation in May 2023. Although both attended, they were not seen publicly engaging. Harry arrived alone and was seated in the third row — two rows behind William — during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey before departing immediately afterwards.
Royal author Robert Jobson claims 'William is over all the drama'. 'He doesn't need it, and he doesn't want it. He's too busy and focused on his own family,' Jobson told People magazine.
