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1TL;DR: Royal experts say Prince William remains upset with his brother Prince Harry. While Harry is trying to repair things with their father King Charles, William isn’t ready to forgive—especially after past comments that also involved his wife, Princess Catherine.
Imagine two siblings who used to be close but now barely speak. That’s basically where Prince William and Prince Harry stand right now. According to royal author Pauline Maclaran, William is still "very angry" with Harry—and it’s not just about royal duties. It’s personal, too.
Here are the main reasons experts believe William is holding onto his anger:
Protecting the Monarchy
William, as the future King, feels he must shield the royal family from being "disrespected or monetized" by Harry and Meghan for their own gain.
Broken Trust
Past interviews, a memoir (Spare), and a Netflix docuseries revealed private family matters. William reportedly feels he can’t trust his brother anymore.
It Got Personal—Catherine Was Dragged In
Harry’s public comments didn’t just target William—they also implicated Princess Catherine (Kate). Maclaran says William finds that "very hard to overlook."
Important Point:
This isn’t just sibling drama—it’s about the future of the British monarchy. William’s role as heir means every family move has public consequences.
Despite the cold shoulder from William, Harry has made some moves toward reconciliation:
Private Meeting with King Charles
Harry arranged a quiet visit at Highgrove House (Charles’s country home) with Meghan and their kids—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Note: William and Catherine were not there.
Invitation to Buckingham Palace
Reports say Harry got an invite to stay at the Palace in September—a sign the King wants to keep the door open.
Even with these gestures, William remains "unfazed."
Maclaran warns the rift is now so deep it could affect the next generation—meaning George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie, and Lilibet might grow up without a close cousin bond.
| Who | Current Stance |
|---|---|
| Prince Harry | Trying to reconnect with King Charles; brought family to UK |
| King Charles | Open to healing; invited Harry to Palace; met grandchildren |
| Prince William | Still "very angry"; prioritizes monarchy + protecting Catherine; not ready to forgive |
| Princess Catherine | Implicated in past claims; William defends her fiercely |
| The Kids | Risk growing up distant due to parents’ feud |
Bottom Line:
Harry is reaching out to his dad, but William—the future King—is holding the line. Until trust is rebuilt (especially around Catherine), the brothers’ relationship stays frozen.
William is the heir to the throne—his job is to protect the institution long-term. Charles, as a father and current King, may be more willing to forgive for family peace.
Yes. In his book Spare and interviews, Harry made claims about Catherine that William reportedly found unfair and hurtful.
It’s possible—but experts say it would take time, privacy, and a real apology. Public pressure alone won’t fix it.
Yes. If the dads don’t speak, the cousins (George/Charlotte/Louis vs. Archie/Lilibet) likely won’t either. That’s a loss for all of them.
Some of it is speculation, but multiple royal insiders and authors (like Maclaran) confirm the tension is real and ongoing.
Stay tuned—royal family dynamics shift slowly, but every small step (or setback) matters.