Prince William has reportedly conveyed to his close circle that there is absolutely “no chance” of his brother Prince Harry being reintegrated into royal responsibilities. This firm stance comes in the wake of suggestions that Prince Harry has extended an offer to undertake some public engagements during their father, King Charles III’s, cancer treatment period.
The depth of William’s indignation stems from Harry’s previous critiques of the royal institution, which, according to The Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers, have left William resolute in preventing any attempts by Harry to rejoin “the Firm.” Positioned as the heir to the throne, William harbors a belief that both Harry and his spouse, Meghan Markle, have demonstrated they “cannot be trusted.”
The rift between the brothers, once known for their close bond, widened significantly after Harry and Meghan’s contentious departure from their royal duties in 2020. Their relocation to California was followed by a series of interviews in which the monarchy was depicted in an unflattering light, raising allegations of insensitivity, dysfunction, and racism within the royal family.
Harry’s memoir “Spare,” released in 2023, further strained familial relations by casting several family members, including Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton, in a negative light. The book was particularly harsh on William, portraying him as quick-tempered and critical of Meghan. Post-publication, Harry maintained that reconciliation with his family was contingent upon receiving an apology.
In a turn of events, the estranged Duke of Sussex, now residing in Montecito, appears to be seeking reconciliation. According to a Times of London report, Harry’s acquaintances have hinted at his readiness to resume royal duties, albeit temporarily. This move is seen as an attempt by Harry to publicly press for a familial reconciliation. In a recent Good Morning America interview, Harry expressed his love for his family and suggested that his father’s cancer diagnosis could be a catalyst for mending familial rifts.
Harry also shared his gratitude for being able to visit Charles in London immediately after learning about the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. Concurrently, Harry’s confidants relayed to the Times his ongoing communication with the king, marked by several “warm exchanges.”
Reports suggest that King Charles is keen on spending more time with his son, with a royal insider indicating that a reconciliation could prove beneficial for the monarchy. The insider emphasized the practicality and familial duty of coming together in support of the king during his illness.
The insider also highlighted the temporary absence of William’s wife, Kate Middleton, from royal duties as she recovers from surgery. This context adds to the complexity of the situation, as Buckingham Palace announced Charles’s cancer diagnosis and the necessity for him to scale back on public engagements during his treatment.
Despite the speculation around Harry’s intentions, especially considering his brief visit to London and subsequent engagements in the U.S. and Canada, discussions about his potential return to royal duties are ongoing. The Times reported that plans for Harry and potentially Meghan to undertake duties on behalf of the king are being considered, without the allocation of public funds.
However, William’s private discussions with King Charles suggest a different narrative. Sources close to William assert that he remains opposed to Harry’s reintegration into royal roles, focusing instead on supporting his father’s health and the monarchy’s interests.
Recent publications, such as “Endgame” by Omid Scobie, have further fueled the controversy surrounding the monarchy and the Sussexes, particularly with renewed allegations of racism. This has likely influenced the palace’s stance on Harry and Meghan’s role within the royal family, with the late Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles expressing reservations about a “half in, half out” arrangement for the couple. Despite these challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope for reconciliation within the royal family, with ongoing discussions about the possibility of a “peacemaking operation” shortly.
