Why ‘Reconciliation May Never Happen’ Between Brothers Prince William & Harry

The rift between the royal brothers remains unresolved, years after the younger sibling relocated abroad. Experts continue to dissect their turbulent bond, with one expert asserting that the Duke of Sussex holds little significance to his elder brother.

It has been several years since Prince Harry’s relationship with the Royal Family—particularly his brother, Prince William—deteriorated, largely due to his marriage to Meghan Markle. One expert suggested that “reconciliation may never happen” between the two royal siblings.

This strained relationship has been a central theme in Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” a title reflecting his role as the backup in the royal line of succession.

Prince Harry and Prince William attend the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, on July 1, 2021, in Kensington Palace, London. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Prince William attend the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, on July 1, 2021, in Kensington Palace, London. | Source: Getty Images

The memoir breaks away from royal conventions, delving deeply into Prince Harry’s enduring sorrow over the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, and shedding light on his complex ties with his father, King Charles; his stepmother, Queen Consort Camilla; and his brother, Prince William.

In his interview with Anderson Cooper, Prince Harry delved into the emotional and relational struggles detailed in “Spare.” When asked about his candid observations of Prince William, Prince Harry dismissed the idea that his words were cutting.

Prince Harry and Prince William watch a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Prince William watch a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Instead, he emphasized, “My brother and I love each other. I love him deeply. There has been a lot of pain between the two of us, especially the last six years.”

The Prince clarified that his intention was not to hurt his family but to provide a complete picture of their experiences growing up while refuting the narrative that his wife, Meghan Markle, was responsible for the brothers’ strained relationship.

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince William watch a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince William watch a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Cooper acknowledged the global perception of the brothers as inseparable during their childhood but highlighted how Harry’s memoir reveals that their lives diverged dramatically after Princess Diana’s tragic death.

Prince Harry shared a tense moment from 2019 when an argument with Prince William turned physical at Harry’s Kensington Palace cottage. He described the confrontation as the result of William’s mounting frustrations, fueled by misinformation and tabloid stories.

Prince Harry and Prince William attend the annual Remembrance Sunday service on November 10, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Prince William attend the annual Remembrance Sunday service on November 10, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

“He snapped,” Harry recalled, explaining how his brother pushed him to the floor, causing him to cut his back on a dog bowl. While Prince William later apologized, the Duke chose not to share the incident with Meghan until she noticed the injury herself.

When asked where their relationship stood, Prince Harry revealed they were not in contact but expressed hope for reconciliation. He also noted that communication with his father had been sparse and ruled out the possibility of resuming royal duties, saying, “I can’t see that happening.”

Prince William, Prince Harry, and King Charles attend the "Our Planet" global premiere on April 4, 2019 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Prince William, Prince Harry, and King Charles attend the “Our Planet” global premiere on April 4, 2019 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Despite the lingering tensions with his family, Prince Harry shared that he had found happiness in his new life with Markle in California. However, he admitted that his relationship with the royal family remained strained, especially with the Prince and Princess of Wales, who won’t welcome them back.

Prince Harry believes the royal family owes him and Markle an apology, but reconciliation seems distant. According to a source, Kate Middleton has no intention of reconnecting with Harry or Meghan, stating, “There has been too much that has happened, and she’s not ready yet.”

Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle attend the Commonwealth Day service on March 11, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle attend the Commonwealth Day service on March 11, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Prince William, while more open to repairing the bond with his brother, remains hesitant to initiate contact. The insider noted, “William wants his relationship with his brother to improve, but they’re not speaking right now,” leaving the possibility of mending ties uncertain.

During the Sussexes’ groundbreaking interview with Oprah Winfrey, the host directly asked Prince Harry if any members of the royal family had reached out to apologize for the circumstances that led to his departure. Harry’s response was straightforward, he said, “No, sadly not.”