Prince Harry and Prince William are the sons of King Charles and Princess Diana. As such, they grew up in the spotlight. When Princess Diana tragically passed away in 1997 due to a car accident in Paris, the two boys were adopted by the nation.
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As time went on, their lives continued to be scrutinised and the whole world watched them grow into men who made mistakes, got married and had children. The world also watched them embrace their lineage and navigate being royals.
Then, it all came to a halt in 2020 when Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, decided to step down as senior members of the Royal Family and move to North America. Since then, tabloids and journalists have had a field day with the rumours, arguments and revelations that have been released.
Since there is so much to navigate let's have a look at how this unfolded; from sibling rivalry to being an outcast of the institution.
Innocent sibling rivalry
Online, clips of the members of the Royal Family aren't rare to come across. In recent years, one can observe a resurgence of clips extracted from old royal documentaries. In them, you can see the young Princes with their family, often with their parents.
While some clips are very wholesome, others are designed in order to highlight that there has always been a form a rivalry between the two brothers. In one clip, we see Princess Diana holding a very young Prince Harry walking towards Prince William who is hiding behind a hedge.
Being stubborn, as often little children can be, Prince William refuses to comply with his mother's demand. As a last resource, Princess Diana says:
All right, Harry will have all the fun then
Prince William then comes running screaming 'no, no, no, no'. For most people, this would seem like a normal interaction but, online, internet users are using it as proof that prince William has always been jealous of his younger brother. One comment reads:
William was always aggressive and envious of Harry 😂 The minute he heard his mom say “Harry will have more fun” that motivated him
When the princes realised their paths were different
Drawing from insights provided in Robert Lacey's Battle of Brothers, released in October 2020, and further analysis by Omid Scobie, co-author of Finding Freedom, it becomes clear that from a very young age, the brothers were acutely aware of their distinct destinies within the royal hierarchy.
A poignant anecdote recounted by Lacey involves a young Harry acknowledging his brother's future kingship during a family car ride, illustrating an early understanding of the different paths their lives would take.
During an argument, a four-year-old Harry allegedly told his brother:
You’ll be king one day. I won’t. So, I can do what I want.
This moment, witnessed by their bodyguard Ken Wharfe, highlights the brothers' early realisation of their roles and the differences that would shape their personal and public lives.
Moreover, the impact of their parents' turbulent marriage and the pressures of royal life were profound on both princes. Lacey describes the environment in which they were raised as one marked by 'systematic deceit' and a lack of parental unity.
Robert Lacey explained to People:
Both brothers have been damaged by their upbringings; both have reacted by finding different solutions,
As they grew older, the divergence in their paths became more pronounced, with William preparing for his future role as monarch and Harry seeking his own identity within the royal framework.
Watching Princes Harry and William, who were raised in the same environment but destined for different futures, highlights the complexities of royal life and the personal challenges faced by those born into it.
Rumoured jealousy during childhood
Ken Wharfe is Princess Diana's former bodyguard. As such, he worked closely with the princes during their childhood and, since the Princess' death, he has shared insights regarding their relationship, particularly focusing on the contrast in their personalities and how these differences shaped their interactions.
According to Wharfe, speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, the young princes enjoyed a 'very happy' upbringing despite the marital issues of their parents. Wharfe highlighted Harry's role as the 'joker' and 'entertainer' within the family, suggesting that this charismatic aspect of his personality might have sparked feelings of envy in Prince William, who was more reserved.
Adding to this narrative, royal expert Robert Jobson discussed Prince William's reaction to the success of Prince Harry's Invictus Games during an ABC News special titled Prince Harry’s Mission: Life, Family, and Invictus Games.
Jobson suggested that William was 'surprised' and possibly 'jealous' of the acclaim and support Harry's initiative received, marking a significant achievement for Harry outside the traditional royal framework. The Invictus Games, which support wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans, have indeed garnered widespread attention and praise, further highlighting the brothers' divergent paths in public life and philanthropy.
Both men shed light on the complex, multifaceted nature of William and Harry's relationship, underpinned by a mix of sibling rivalry, differing personalities, and the unique pressures of their positions within the Royal Family. Despite the challenges and public scrutiny, the early years of camaraderie and shared experiences remain a significant chapter in the story of the two princes.
Kate Middleton and Harry's relationship
Though we are focusing on the relationship between the two brothers, it is impossible not to mention their respective wives.
Initially, Prince Harry's relationship with Kate was characterised by warmth and mutual respect. Harry expressed enthusiasm about Kate joining the family following Prince William and Kate's engagement in 2010, underscoring a promising start to their relationship. Their camaraderie was evident in numerous public engagements, from laughing together at the 2012 Olympics to working on the Heads Together charity initiative in 2016. This period highlighted a close-knit trio, seemingly united in both family ties and charitable endeavors.
However, the narrative began to shift with Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back from royal duties and move abroad, marking a significant transition not only in their professional roles but also in their personal relationships within the Royal Family. The release of the couple's tell-all interview in 2021 and their Netflix series laid bare the complexities and strains in their relationships with other family members, including William and Kate. Reports of disagreements and the subsequent public airing of private disputes signaled a cooling period, contrasting sharply with the earlier years of warmth and collaboration.
Despite these tensions, the narrative took another turn in recent developments, with Harry and Meghan reaching out to express their well-wishes to Kate following her hospitalisation for abdominal surgery. This gesture, amid ongoing public scrutiny of their relationships, suggests an undercurrent of familial concern and a potential opening for reconciliation.
As these relationships continue to develop, they underscore the intertwining of personal and public lives in the monarchy, offering glimpses into the delicate balance of family ties amidst the demands of royal duty.
The arrival of Meghan Markle
The release of Omid Scobie's book Endgame has added new layers to the public's understanding of the complexities and tensions within the British Royal Family, particularly between Prince William and his brother Harry, as well as with Meghan Markle.
Scobie, a royal expert and author, delves into the reasons why William and Meghan's relationship was strained from the outset, suggesting that William's hesitancy towards Harry's relationship with Meghan was a significant factor. According to Scobie, William perceived Meghan as an outsider, which contributed to a lack of warmth between the two. This perception was exacerbated by Meghan's American background and her approach to royal life, which William feared might undermine the family's image.
The book reveals that, following Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018, King Charles felt compelled to intervene after Harry expressed feelings of exclusion, particularly around holiday gatherings. This intervention led to an invitation from William and Kate for Christmas at Anmer Hall, but it was one of the few instances where an olive branch was extended. Scobie also notes Meghan's discomfort with her life in the UK and her decision to not attend King Charles's coronation, illustrating her desire to distance herself from the royal 'soap opera.'
In a separate analysis, Scobie discusses the broader implications of Harry and Meghan's departure from senior royal duties, their Netflix docuseries, and Harry's memoir, Spare, on the relationship between the brothers. William's frustrations are highlighted, with sources close to him expressing feelings of betrayal and a sense of loss over the changed dynamics with Harry. Scobie's narrative suggests that the rift between the brothers is deep, fueled by differing perspectives on their roles within the Royal Family and the influence of external factors, including media and public opinion.
Despite these challenges, Harry has maintained that his actions were not intended to harm his family but to provide a clearer understanding of his experiences within the institution. This ongoing saga, as chronicled by Scobie, underscores the complexities of balancing personal autonomy with the expectations of royal duty, and the deep emotional toll it has taken on all involved.
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's relationship
The relationship between Meghan Markle and Princess Kate has been a focal point of public and media attention since Meghan's integration into the Royal Family in 2018. Contrary to initial expectations of a strong bond forming between the two women, who shared the common experience of marrying into the British monarchy, their interactions have often been characterised by misunderstandings and differences in temperament and approach.
One of the earliest indicators of tension was once again highlighted by Omid Scobie, who criticised Kate for not fostering a 'meaningful' relationship with Meghan, suggesting that the Princess of Wales did not extend herself to welcome Meghan into the fold. This perceived standoffishness was compounded by Meghan's alleged sense of having 'more of a right to speak' on issues, given her background as a 'self-made woman', a stance that reportedly did not sit well with Kate or the established dynamics of the Firm.
Several incidents have come to symbolise the growing rift between the two women, from disagreements over bridesmaid dresses for Harry and Meghan's wedding to Meghan's surprise at the 'no hugging' formality observed by Kate and William. Moreover, a reported comment made by Meghan regarding Kate's 'baby brain' during her pregnancy with Prince Louis exemplified the cultural and personal misunderstandings that further strained their relationship.
Scobie's book Endgame delves deeper into these complexities, noting Meghan's original hope for a bond with Kate, particularly during her challenging moments as a new royal and her isolation and loneliness. Despite these hopes, Kate's supposed disinterest in nurturing a close relationship with Meghan and her 'cold' reactions to mentions of Meghan highlight the depth of their estrangement.
The publication of Harry's memoir Spare and the couple's candid interviews and Netflix series have only served to cement the divide, with Kate reportedly feeling unable to trust Harry and Meghan after their public disclosures.
'Megxit'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back as senior members of the British Royal Family and seek financial independence represents a watershed moment in contemporary royal history. This move, announced via Instagram on 8 January 2020, sent shockwaves around the globe, drawing comparisons to the 1936 abdication crisis and sparking a media frenzy.
Inside the Palace, the announcement was reportedly met with disappointment and concern, with reports suggesting that the Queen, then-Prince Charles, and especially Prince William were upset by the couple's decision, which they felt was made hastily and without proper consultation.
Despite initial fears of an existential crisis for the monarchy, the Royal Family has managed to somehow maintain its popularity, even seeing a surge during the coronavirus pandemic. In contrast, Harry and Meghan have embarked on a new life in California, establishing their foundation and engaging in various media ventures, including a podcast and a production deal with Netflix. Their move was driven by a desire for a more private life and the freedom to pursue their charitable interests independently from the institutional constraints of the Royal Family.
The couple's journey to this decision was marked by a series of events and revelations, including their candid admissions of struggling with royal life and media scrutiny in a 2019 documentary. Their six-week sabbatical in Canada at the end of 2019 was a precursor to their eventual departure from the UK. The leak of their plans to the press precipitated the official announcement, leading to a swift and somewhat tumultuous exit process that culminated in the Sandringham Summit where the terms of their departure were discussed.
Despite the challenges, including a high-profile court battle and personal tragedies such as Meghan's miscarriage, sources close to the couple have stated that their marriage has grown stronger and that they have no regrets about their decision. Their actions have sparked debates about the future of the monarchy, the role of modern royals, and the intense public and media scrutiny they face.
The Sussexes' departure has led to a reevaluation of royal duties and the public's expectations of Royal Family members, highlighting the tension between public roles and private happiness. As they embark on their new life, Harry and Meghan's story continues to evolve, with their actions and decisions closely watched by both their supporters and detractors.
Prince Harry and Meghan make revelations
To fully understand the rift between Prince Harry and his brother Prince William, it isn't enough to look at Megxit. Indeed, since their departure to North America, which could have been a simple detachment from the work aspect of being a royal, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have publicly revealed many unflattering things about royals.
The Oprah interviews
Prince Harry's 2021 collaboration with Oprah Winfrey for the docuseries The Me You Can't See sheds light on the immense mental health struggles he has faced. Throughout the series, Prince Harry candidly discusses a range of deeply personal issues, including the trauma following Princess Diana’s death, his battles with anxiety and panic attacks, and his and Meghan Markle's experiences with the media.
One of the most significant revelations from Harry was the impact of his wife, Meghan, on his journey towards healing. Meghan’s encouragement led Harry to seek therapy four years ago, marking a turning point in his life. He credits her influence as pivotal, stating that therapy and addressing his past were essential for their relationship's survival.
The series also revisits the harrowing memory of Princess Diana being chased by paparazzi, an image that haunts Harry and symbolises his fear and sense of helplessness. In the docuseries, Prince Harry also admits to turning to alcohol and drugs to numb his pain during his late 20s and early 30s.
Prior to that, in March 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan sat down with Oprah for a candid and unprecedented conversation. In it, they laid bare the struggles and challenges they faced as part of the Royal Family, sharing insights that have sent shockwaves around the world.
Many revelations were made. The biggest ones include:
- Meghan corrected the widespread narrative that she made Kate Middleton cry over a disagreement regarding bridesmaid dresses. Contrary to the reports, Meghan disclosed it was Kate who made her cry.
- Meghan admitted to feeling unprotected and isolated within the royal framework. It brought to light the institution's apparent disregard for her mental well-being. Her account of being advised against seeking external help for her mental health struggles due to the potential institutional embarrassment it could cause was particularly troubling.
- Conversations were had about the potential skin color of their unborn son, Archie
- Meghan's disclosure of her suicidal thoughts during her first pregnancy
The Netflix docuseries
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Netflix docuseries, Harry and Meghan, presents a candid look into their lives, experiences within the Royal Family, and the series of events leading up to their departure from senior royal duties.
Revelations in the series include:
- Prince Harry's reflections on the experiences of women marrying into the Royal Family highlighting his mother, Princess Diana's, struggles. His concern for finding a partner who could endure the intense scrutiny and pressure of royal life points to a deep awareness of the 'pain and suffering' that comes with marrying into the institution.
- Harry and Meghan met through Instagram.
- Harry's recounting of his childhood experiences with the paparazzi and the advice within the Royal Family to 'not feed into it' highlights the longstanding issues with media intrusion into royal lives. His comparison of Meghan to his mother, Princess Diana, in terms of compassion and warmth, alongside his fears of history repeating itself, emphasises his protective instincts and the couple's struggles against public and media pressures.
- Meghan's account of her initial interactions with the Royal Family, her efforts to adapt to royal protocols, and the formality she encountered even in private settings illustrate her attempts to navigate an unfamiliar and rigid institution. Her experiences of isolation and the lack of support in facing media harassment reveal the profound challenges she faced in adapting to royal life.
- The couple's engagement interview being described as an 'orchestrated reality show' and Meghan's adaptation of her wardrobe to fit royal expectations reflect the constructed public personas and the scrutiny over appearances that define royal public life.
- The series also sheds light on the early stages of Harry and Meghan's relationship, including the long distance nature of their romance and the initial reactions from Harry's family. The discussions about marrying someone who 'fits the mould' and the family's perceived judgement of Meghan as an American actress reveal the complexities of integrating Meghan into the Royal Family.
- The documentary details the couple's battles with the UK press, the impact of media harassment on their mental health, and their ultimate decision to step back from senior royal duties. The narrative underscores their desire for a more private life and control over their narrative, away from the constraints and expectations of royal life.
Spare
Prince Harry's candid revelations in his memoir, Spare, and related interviews have undeniably sent ripples through public discourse, revealing deep-seated issues and personal struggles that have characterised his life, especially concerning his relationship with his brother, Prince William, and his integration into the Royal Family with Meghan Markle.
The revelations included in Spare are:
- Harry's characterisation of William as both a beloved sibling and an 'archnemesis'. The 'heir and a spare' dynamic, seemingly ingrained from Harry's birth, underscores a longstanding competition, further complicated by the public and institutional expectations placed upon them. This rivalry, as Harry depicts, is not just a personal challenge but is emblematic of the broader structural constraints and familial pressures that define royal existence.
- The memoir also delves into Harry's emotional journey, tracing his tumultuous relationship with his past, notably the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana. His attempt to find closure by driving through the tunnel where his mother died illustrates his ongoing struggle with grief and the desire for peace with his past. This act, seeking to confront his trauma head-on, reflects a broader theme of Harry's search for healing amid public and private turmoil.
- The resistance Harry and William showed towards their father's marriage to Camilla, and Harry's fears about Camilla's role in their lives, highlight the complex family dynamics at play.
- Meghan's entry into Harry's life is portrayed as a turning point, offering him a partner who not only shares his values but also challenges him to confront the institutional and personal barriers that have shaped his life.
- Harry's account of his and Meghan's experiences under intense media scrutiny, including the impact on their mental health, highlights the toxic effects of invasive press coverage and public expectations.
Prince Harry and Prince William since Megxit
Since the Sussexes left the UK and their royal duties, Prince Harry has been back to his home country several times. For each occasion listed below, the media's focus was very much on how these trips could indicate an end to the rift between the two brothers.
Prince Philip's funeral
The funeral provided a rare occasion for the brothers to be seen together publicly after Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties. The arrangement of having their cousin Peter Phillips walk between them during the procession, and the subsequent imagery of the brothers conversing post-service, offered a glimmer of hope to those wishing for a reconciliation. However, the physical and metaphorical distance observed during the service — with Harry seated alone, separate from William and Catherine — along with reports of William's reluctance to engage in conversation, mirror the reported strains in their relationship.
For Harry, the return to the UK and immersion in the rituals of mourning, surrounded by military and ceremonial elements he holds in high esteem, might have served as a poignant reminder of the duties and life he left behind.
Before Spare was released, an excerpt leaked revealing King Charles's plea to his sons. Reportedly King Charles showed signs of personal anguish and expressed his hope for peace and unity in his final years.
The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
Despite walking side by side behind the Queen's coffin, a marked difference from their positions during the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, the brothers maintained a notable distance in interaction.
The procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall and the subsequent funeral services at Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle showcased a moment of symbolic unity among the Royal Family, particularly between William and Harry. This alignment, reminiscent of their walk behind their mother's coffin 25 years prior, evoked powerful imagery of familial solidarity in mourning. However, this visual unity was contrasted sharply by the absence of personal interactions between the two, as reports highlighted their deliberate avoidance of acknowledgment or eye contact, emphasising the deep-seated rift that has only been exacerbated by Harry's departure from the UK and his subsequent criticisms of the Royal Family.
Harry's attire, a morning suit adorned with his medals rather than military uniform reserved for working members of the Royal Family, visibly set him apart from other royals in uniform, symbolising his altered status within the family and his physical and metaphorical distance from the institution. This distinction, along with the careful management of appearances by both brothers and their spouses, points to the profound impact of royal protocols and public expectations on personal grief and family dynamics. The Sussexes' restrained physical contact, possibly in response to past criticisms, further highlights the delicate balance they navigate between personal affection and public propriety.
Amid the formalities, emotional undercurrents were evident, particularly in Meghan's choice of attire, which included pearl and diamond studs given by the Queen, symbolising a personal connection to the late monarch. These subtle gestures of respect and affection, set against the backdrop of a highly publicised and scrutinised event, show the complex layers of personal relationships within the Royal Family, marked by a blend of reverence, nostalgia, and unresolved tensions.
While the shared grief of the Queen's passing brought William and Harry together in a moment of public unity, the underlying strains in their relationship remained apparent. The rescinding of the Sussexes' invitation to a pre-funeral reception attended by world leaders further complicates the narrative of reconciliation, suggesting that the path to mending familial ties is fraught with institutional and personal obstacles.
In conclusion, the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II offered a poignant, albeit fleeting, glimpse into the ongoing saga of Prince William and Prince Harry's relationship, underscored by moments of ceremonial unity amidst a backdrop of personal and public discord.
King Charles' health issues
Prince Harry's recent visit to London, prompted by King Charles's diagnosis, has reignited interest in the ongoing dynamics within the Royal Family, especially concerning the relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William. Despite the potential for such a significant family event to bridge gaps, the visit seemed to underscore the existing divide, with Harry reportedly spending the night in a hotel and having no plans to meet his brother, William.
Prince William's focus on his wife, Kate's, recovery from surgery and his return to royal duties highlights the balancing act between private concerns and public responsibilities that members of the Royal Family continually navigate. Meanwhile, Harry's solo travel from California to London, leaving behind Meghan and their children, underscores the physical and symbolic distance between him and the institution he once was a part of.
The mention of mutual friend Mark Dyer as a possible mediator between the siblings hints at the underlying desire for reconciliation, or at the very least, a smoother communication channel. Dyer's historical role in the princes' lives, especially after the death of Diana, positions him as a figure of trust and understanding, potentially capable of bridging the gap between the estranged brothers.
Prince Harry's brief visit and the circumstances surrounding it bring to the forefront the ways in which health crises can impact family dynamics, potentially acting as catalysts for reconciliation or further highlighting existing rifts. Harry's expressed willingness to visit his father and the gratitude for the time spent, despite the visit's brevity, suggests an ongoing complexity in their relationship, marked by love, tension, and the challenging balance between past grievances and the desire for familial connection.
As Prince Harry contemplates future visits to the UK and potentially even American citizenship, the narrative of his relationship with his family, particularly with Prince William, remains fraught with speculation, hope, and a keen public interest in whether time and circumstances will allow for healing or further entrench existing divisions.
Despite the evident rift, the hints of possible reconciliation, as seen in Harry's expressed desire to 'have my father and brother back,' coupled with their brief interactions during public events, suggest an underlying bond that remains amidst the turmoil. The willingness to engage, even minimally, in public settings points towards the potential for healing and dialogue, albeit complicated by past grievances and the pressures of living under intense public scrutiny.
In sum, the dynamics between Prince William and Prince Harry, set against the backdrop of royal duties, familial expectations, and personal choices, illustrate the ongoing struggle to reconcile their public roles with private emotions. The path to reconciliation, if it is to be found, appears to be a complex journey marked by moments of both tension and tentative steps towards understanding.
This article has been written with the help of AI.
Read more:
⋙ Prince Harry and Meghan: Buckingham Palace has updated their profile on Royal website
⋙ Royal expert claims Meghan Markle is behind Prince Harry and Prince William’s communication
⋙ King Charles set to release new message for Easter that will send a message of unity
Sources:
US Magazine: Inside Prince William and Prince Harry’s Complicated Relationship Over the Years
People: Inside the Moment Prince William and Prince Harry's Personalities Flipped as Kids
The Sun: Key reason Prince William was ‘envious’ of Harry when they were kids, claims Princess Diana’s former royal bodyguard
New York Post: Prince William was ‘surprised’ over Harry’s Invictus Games success: ‘A degree of jealousy’
US Magazine: Prince Harry and Princess Kate’s Relationship Through the Years: Revisit Their Ups and Downs
Mirror: Prince Harry 'let slip true feelings' about Kate Middleton before sending message of support - expert
InStyle: Prince William Disliked Harry’s Relationship to Meghan “From the Start”
Harper’s Bazaar: Why Prince William Thinks Harry Has Been Brainwashed by an “Army of Therapists”
Mirror: Five times Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's relationship showed cracks before falling apart
Harper’s Bazaar: Why Princess Kate Was “Uninterested” in Forming a Close Bond With Duchess Meghan
Vanity Fair: How Harry and Meghan’s Royal Exit Led to an Unexpected Happy Ending
BBC News: Prince Harry and Meghan to step back as senior royals
Independent: Prince Harry - Oprah interview: 13 of the most explosive revelations from The Me You Can’t See
Glamour: The Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Oprah Interview: The 9 most jaw-dropping moments you'll be talking about for weeks to come
Sky News: Prince Harry and Meghan's Netflix series: Key revelations from first episodes
Hello!: 15 biggest revelations from Meghan & Harry Netflix documentary
People: The Biggest Revelations from Prince Harry's Book Spare 1 Year After Its Release
Vogue: The Biggest Revelations From The Duke Of Sussex’s Spare
BBC News: Prince Philip funeral: William and Harry seen chatting after ceremony
Daily Mail: 'Please boys, don't make my final years a misery': Charles's plea to warring William and Harry after Prince Philip's funeral is revealed in Duke of Sussex's bombshell book
The Guardian: No eye contact, no warmth: William and Harry keep apart at Queen’s funeral
BBC News: William and Harry side by side behind Queen's coffin
Daily Mail: Harry 'would have gladly accepted' reunion with William but instead 'spends night in London hotel' after 45-minute meeting with cancer-stricken King Charles: Duke set to return to LA - as Prince of Wales briefly resumes public duties amid Kate's illness
BBC News: Will King's cancer diagnosis bring a thaw between Harry and William?
BBC News:Prince Harry: King's cancer may bring family closer together
