Prince William and Prince Harry were once the closest of brothers. Losing their mother, Princess Diana, at a young age bonded them strongly, but the dynamics shifted dramatically when Harry stepped away from royal duties. Did the discord truly begin then, or is there more to the story? According to a former insider, Paul Burrell, a poignant moment in their childhood might have been the root of the rift.
Growing up, William and Harry enjoyed a happy childhood. Their mother, Princess Diana, endeavored to provide them with as normal a life as possible, something William appears to be continuing with his family.
The passing of their beloved mother left a lasting impact, and in 2020, the so-called “Battle of the Brothers” intensified with Harry’s departure from royal life. The two siblings have not spoken in years, and as William prepares for his eventual role as king, gossip circulates about whether Harry will attend his brother’s coronation.
There were rumors that William might choose not to invite Harry to his coronation, a speculation fueled by reports that the brothers had not communicated in nearly two years. “They are estranged, which is dreadfully sad,” noted a source.
Even though William could technically choose to omit Harry from the event, royal analyst Christopher Andersen expressed to Fox his belief that Harry will indeed be present. “Despite their differences, I am certain that William won’t be so unwise to exclude Harry, now fifth in line, from his coronation,” Andersen shared.
Harry May Choose Not to Attend, Insider Suggests
The relationship between William and Harry is reportedly at an all-time low. William and their father, Prince Charles, have apparently decided together to keep Harry at a distance for now. “There appears to be no reconciliation in sight, and those involved seem to have come to terms with that reality,” the source continued.
When Harry returned for his father’s coronation, the coldness between him and his family was noticeable. If William does extend an invitation to Harry for his own coronation, Harry may not wish to attend, according to sources privy to the matter.
Royal commentator Hugo Vickers remarked that while it would be expected for William to invite Harry, it isn’t mandatory. “He can ultimately decide what he wants. It was similar when the Duke of Windsor was not invited to Queen Elizabeth’s coronation,” Vickers said.
The publication of Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” only worsened their bond, exacerbated by the revelations about his elder brother and other royal members.
A Childhood Comment That Left a Mark
The rivalry, it seems, isn’t entirely new. In a Channel 5 documentary “The Palace: What the Royal Servants Saw,” former butler Paul Burrell suggested that Harry’s lifelong feelings of being “the spare” may have deep roots from when they were children.
Burrell recounted an instance that perhaps sowed early seeds of rivalry. “I overheard a nanny saying to William, ‘I’m giving you three sausages, William. You need to grow big and strong for your future as king,’” Burrell explained.
Having worked at Buckingham Palace from a young age, and later serving as King Charles’ butler, Burrell had a front-row seat to the unfolding dynamics between the brothers, both in their youth and as adults.
“In their twenties, when I met both William and Harry at a polo event and spoke with them, it was evident that Harry often felt overshadowed,” Burrell remarked.
Is there a possibility that Prince William and Prince Harry will reconcile? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section on Facebook!
A New Chapter Yet to Be Written
The world watches eagerly, hopeful for a day when brotherly love prevails over past grievances. While their journey is paved with challenges, perhaps time and mutual understanding can mend what was once a deep and abiding bond.
