Prince William reportedly still harbors hope of reconnecting with his estranged brother Prince Harry—but a royal expert says a reunion appears increasingly unlikely. The Prince of Wales recently made headlines after cracking a pointed joke during his first engagement as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, the military unit once served by Harry.
While meeting with soldiers, William asked how often they saw their families and quipped, “Some of them might not want to see you that much.” Though the remark appeared casual, royal commentators believe it subtly alluded to his own fractured relationship with Prince Harry.
The Duke of Sussex, who hasn’t spoken to William in over two years, remains at odds with the royal family following his and Meghan Markle’s departure from royal duties and a series of public grievances. A report from Radar Online noted the symbolism of William’s new ceremonial role in the Army Air Corps.
The appointment is particularly significant, as Harry served in that very unit during his second deployment to Afghanistan between 2012 and 2014, operating as a co-pilot and gunner in Apache helicopters. The role many once assumed Harry would inherit has now been passed to William, deepening the emotional distance between the brothers.
Royal commentator Amanda Matta explained, “Any reconciliation between the brothers would require so much more than just a single conversation. It would demand a real reckoning with the emotional damage on both sides.” She added, “This isn’t just about two brothers falling out like you and I would understand it.”
According to Matta, the rift reflects “two very different worldviews—one rooted in preserving tradition, the other in breaking from them when they start to cause harm.” She emphasized that rebuilding even a basic working relationship would be a tremendous challenge, stating, “Right now, it feels like they’re speaking entirely different languages.”
Insiders suggest that not even major royal events are likely to bring them together. One source claimed, “I can’t imagine William would invite Harry to his coronation. The funeral of (King) Charles would be the first time that courtiers would imagine a reunion. And even then, no one expects a full reconciliation.”
Commenting on William’s Army Air Corps visit and his light-hearted remark, a royal insider concluded, “William is just trying to laugh through his pain – he would love a reunion with Harry.” Despite the longing, experts agree that a true reconciliation between the brothers remains a distant hope rather than an imminent possibility.