The Unveiled Truth Behind Prince William and Prince Harry’s Dynamic Journey

Prince William and Prince Harry's bond as brothers transcends their royal status, as shared by Princess Diana's biographer Andrew Morton in the November 2019 issue of Royals Monthly. Morton revealed that their relationship is incredibly intimate, with only the two of them truly understanding the depths of their thoughts and emotions over the past two decades. Having both experienced the loss of their mother, they have relied solely on each other as the people they can candidly discuss their feelings with.

In 1997, Diana died in a car accident, leaving William and Harry aged 15 and 12 respectively. Over time, the brothers gradually grew apart. In January 2020, it was announced that Harry and Meghan were withdrawing from their senior royal roles, a decision that became permanent in February 2021. In March 2021, the couple candidly discussed their reasons for this choice in an interview with CBS.

"There is a significant amount to address," remarked Harry, acknowledging that his family did not publicly condemn the racism that targeted Meghan over time. "I am deeply disappointed because he has experienced something similar. He understands the anguish. My love for him will always endure, but there is a great deal of pain that has transpired. I will consistently prioritize efforts to mend that bond. However, their knowledge is limited to what they perceive."

Browse through the following timeline outlining their relationship:

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Inside Prince William and Prince Harry’s Complicated Relationship Over the Years

Prince William and Prince Harry may be royalty,  but their sibling bond is like that of any set of brothers.

According to Princess Diana's biographer Andrew Morton, speaking in the November 2019 edition of Royals Monthly, their relationship is profoundly close. No one, not even their father, is privy to the thoughts and emotions that have transpired within them over the past two decades. Both William and Harry have endured the loss of their mother, and they have found solace and trust in each other, as they are the only ones they can openly discuss their grief with. At the time of Diana's tragic death in 1997, William was 15 years old, while Harry was 12.

Over time, the brothers gradually grew apart. In January 2020, it was announced that Harry and Meghan would be stepping back from their senior royal duties, and in February 2021, this decision became permanent. In March 2021, during a candid interview on CBS, the couple finally revealed their reasons behind this choice.

"I was unaware of my entrapment," Harry admitted. "Like the rest of the family, I was confined within the system. Both my father, King Charles III, and my brother are also trapped without the option to leave, and I feel deep empathy for them."

Harry acknowledged that he and William were still facing difficulties and also mentioned that his relationship with his father was not in a good place.

"There is a significant amount of unresolved issues," stated Harry, who also acknowledged that his family had failed to condemn the racist treatment directed at Meghan over the years. "I feel deeply disappointed because he has experienced something similar. He understands the pain. Despite this, I will always have love for him, but there has been a considerable amount of hurt. Restoring that relationship will remain an important focus for me. However, their understanding is limited to what they have experienced themselves."

Scroll through for a timeline of their relationship:

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1988

In Robert Lacey's book "Battle of Brothers," released in October 2020, it is mentioned that Harry was aware of William's future as king from a young age. In a notable incident recalled by Ken Wharfe, who served as the bodyguard for Diana and her two sons in the late 1980s, Harry and William got into an argument while traveling from London to Highgrove. Their nanny tried to mediate the dispute, but Harry, who was just four years old at the time, confidently stated, "You'll be king one day. I won't, so I can do what I want." This remark puzzled Diana, who wondered where Harry had learned such a notion.

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1993

William and Harry will always be bonded by the loss of their mother.

"Life, for William and me, can be divided into two distinct chapters. The first encompasses the years when we were fortunate enough to have both our mother and father physically present beside us, showering us with blessings. The second chapter, spanning the past 10 years, represents a void left behind since our mother's untimely demise," expressed Harry during a poignant speech on the solemn occasion marking the 10-year anniversary of Diana's passing. He further added, "She was more than just a guardian to us; she was a true friend and protector. Her unwavering love for us was never left unspoken or unexpressed. Beyond the relentless media spotlight, to us, her two devoted children, she was simply the epitome of a mother – the best mother in the world."

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2011

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2013

Over the years, Harry appeared to derive pleasure from participating in royal engagements alongside William and Kate. The trio additionally initiated their Heads Together campaign, designed to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health.

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2016

Multiple reports suggest that the rift between Harry and William originated from the elder prince expressing concerns over the speed at which his brother was progressing with his relationship with Meghan, whom he began dating in 2016. Lacey stated in Battle of Brothers that William sought assistance from Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, in an attempt to resolve the issue with Harry.

"After encountering several heated reactions, William sought assistance from his uncle Charles Spencer," the book explained. "However, the involvement of Spencer only fueled an even more intense confrontation. Although Harry did not blame his uncle and understood his motivations, he was enraged with his older brother for involving other family members in the dispute."

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2017

Harry credited William for helping him seek mental health counseling after struggling with Diana’s death in his adult life.

“It's all about timing. And honestly, my brother has been a tremendous source of support for me. I'm truly grateful for him. He consistently reminded me that what I was going through wasn't normal, it wasn't right, and it was crucial for me to reach out to someone and talk about my feelings. He assured me that it was okay to seek help," Harry disclosed to The Telegraph in April 2017. "I can confidently affirm that the loss of my mother at the tender age of 12, causing me to suppress my emotions for two decades, has had a profound impact not only on my personal life but also on my professional endeavors.”

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2017

"We are thrilled for Harry and Meghan," stated the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when Harry initially proposed to the former actress. "It has been a delightful experience getting acquainted with Meghan and witnessing the incredible happiness that she and Harry share."

William proceeded with organizing his brother's stag party. "Despite Harry having a number of close male friends, he solely entrusted William with the responsibility," a source revealed to Us at that time.

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2018

William returned the favor and served as Harry’s best man when he married Meghan at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in May 2018.

2019

It was clear the brothers were going in different directions after news broke in February 2019 that Harry and Meghan were splitting their royal charity from Kate and William.

The palace confirmed that in June, the news was announced by The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding the results of a review conducted on its structure. The foundation stated that it will provide the utmost support to Their Royal Highnesses for their future charitable endeavors. The Royal Foundation will assume the role of the primary charitable and philanthropic organization for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge later this year. On the other hand, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will set up their own new charitable foundation, receiving temporary operational assistance from The Royal Foundation during the transition.

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2019

While many reports alleged that Kate and Meghan weren’t on good terms, longtime royal filmmaker Nick Bullen claimed the rift was actually between William and Harry.

“All brothers have conflicts. All families have conflicts. Their conflicts are now being made public,” Bullen stated in an interview with Fox News in March 2019. “I believe people prefer not to consider this with these two individuals. These two individuals have experienced the loss of their mother at a very young age, and the idealized notion is that they have become even closer and rely on each other, which is probably true. However, they are also two fully-grown men in their thirties, establishing their own families with different spouses. They are relocating to various regions of the country and have different responsibilities.”

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2019

During the ITV documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, Harry disclosed that he and William had a disagreement, emphasizing that their relationship has both positive and negative moments.

Acknowledging the pressures of their roles and family, Harry stated, "But look, we’re brothers, we’ll always be brothers. We’re currently headed in different directions, but I will consistently support him, just as I know he will always support me."

Harry added: “We don’t see each other as much as we used to because we’re so busy, but I love him dearly.” 

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2019

In November 2019, Harry and Meghan revealed that they would not be celebrating Christmas with Queen Elizabeth II. According to an insider, their decision was influenced in part by the strain in Harry's relationship with William. The source mentioned, "Harry and Meghan have opted for a small Christmas celebration with their immediate family instead of joining the festivities at Sandringham. The rift between William and Harry played a significant role in their choice. Additionally, they want to create a truly memorable and unique experience for Archie's first Christmas."

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2020

Harry’s pal and journalist Tom Bradby gave more insight into the brother’s falling out during an appearance on Good Morning Britain in January 2020. 

“There are numerous individuals, including, in my opinion, the brothers themselves, who wish for them to be closer once again. Hopefully, that desire will be fulfilled," expressed Bradby. "However, we are all aware that in families, conflicts arise and hurtful remarks are made."

Piers Morgan, the host, acknowledged that "it must be challenging to have a family disagreement played out in public," which Bradby concurred with.

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2020

According to a source, Harry and Meghan surprised William and Kate with their sudden announcement to step back from their senior royal duties in January 2020. The source revealed that there continues to be tension between the two brothers, highlighting that the timing of the announcement on the eve of Kate's 38th birthday only added to the hurt feelings.

"The fact that William would be the initial confidant for Harry during their younger years makes this situation even more disheartening," expressed the source. "While William is deeply wounded, he remains devoted to his own family and endeavors to progress in his own life."

During that time, royal specialist Richard Fitzwilliams also highlighted that the remaining members of the royal family were unaware of the astonishing and reckless declaration.

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2020

According to a source, it was revealed in February 2020 that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, William and Harry, have only had a few conversations concerning "business matters" since their relocation to Canada.

"Harry is known to possess a heightened sensitivity and is more emotionally in-tune compared to William. He tends to internalize things deeply, often taking them personally. At times, he exhibits impulsive behavior," shared a second insider. "Harry strongly believes in the importance of speaking out against silent suffering, and that's why he publicly disclosed his own experiences with therapy and his mother, Princess Diana. Unlike Harry, William's approach towards handling emotions is characterized by a more composed and level-headed demeanor. This doesn't mean that William lacks compassion - on the contrary, he is an immensely affectionate and kind-hearted person, just with a slightly different emotional disposition than his brother."

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2020

The initial meeting between the two brothers and their spouses took place on March 9, 2020, during the Commonwealth Day Service. Although all attention was focused on the two couples during the televised event, when Harry and Meghan greeted William and Kate before the service commenced at Westminster Abbey, the interaction was minimal.

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2020

In 2020, although the brothers reestablished communication, their relationship took a turn for the worse following the publication of the book Finding Freedom, as revealed by a source in August 2020. The source acknowledged that efforts were being made to mend their relationship; however, ongoing issues persisted between the brothers.

Authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, in a book that Harry and Meghan denied any involvement with, seemingly verify the reports of Harry's displeasure when William implied that he was rushing into his relationship with Meghan.

The book states, "Some perceived it as an excessive reaction. However, this incident reflects their personalities - William, known for his composed and logical approach, and Harry, who tends to take things too personally." Consequently, their families became distant, with Harry diminishing his visits to see the children, and the invitations from William and Kate diminishing as well.

According to the book, the Duke of Cambridge was also displeased when Harry and Meghan publicly announced their new roles in January 2020.

During that period, a second source informed Us that William believed Finding Freedom was a deliberate tactic employed by Meghan and Harry to manipulate the narrative in their favor, taking advantage of their connections in the entertainment industry.

2020

In May 2020, royal expert Katie Nicholl unveiled that the two brothers had reestablished their communication after months of minimal contact, partly attributed to Prince Charles' fight against the coronavirus.

“There have reportedly been significant divisions in their relationship, but the situation has improved and I am aware that William and Harry communicate regularly over the phone,” revealed Nicholl in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “They have also engaged in video calls and have celebrated many family birthdays together. Additionally, Prince Charles' illness has compelled the brothers to reconnect and communicate.”

In a heartfelt gesture, William later wrote a letter, along with his younger brother, expressing their gratitude to the volunteers involved in their beloved mother Princess Diana's charity, the Diana Award.

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2021

During their CBS sit-down in March 2021, Harry mentioned that he still had faith in the possibility of reconciliation between him and his brother. Despite acknowledging their different journeys, he expressed deep affection for William and emphasized their shared history. Currently, their relationship may require some distance, but he remained hopeful that with time, wounds would heal.

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2021

In April 2021, Harry returned to the U.K. to attend the funeral of Prince Philip, bringing the brothers face-to-face for the first time. The siblings remained composed and maintained a professional demeanor as they joined the procession in what marked their first public appearance together in over a year. Following the services, William, Harry, and Kate were seen engaged in conversation while walking from St George’s Chapel back to Windsor Castle.

“I believe there was some sort of connection and conversation or something prior to that moment — it wasn't their first time engaging in a conversation," analyzed body language expert Elaine Swann with Us at that time. “I simply can't fathom those two brothers, who were once as close as can be, beginning the procession and enduring the emotional rollercoaster without exchanging words until after the service."

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2021

In his book Battle of Brothers, author Robert Lacey described the intense and bitter confrontation between the two siblings. William was deeply affected by the perception that Meghan was pulling his cherished brother away from him. He felt hurt and betrayed, expressing these emotions to a friend. As the older brother, William had always been protective of Harry, but he realized that he could no longer fulfill this role. Ultimately, William prioritized the importance of the British crown and its traditions, styles, and values over his relationship with his brother. Lacey also stated that Harry was equally enraged by William's decision to believe the allegations against Meghan.

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2022

Amid Harry's ongoing legal battle with The Firm over security funds for his family residing abroad, an insider revealed that his desire to spend time with his brother, grandmother, and other relatives remained unwavering. The source emphasized that this could only come to fruition if the government takes appropriate measures to safeguard his family. The source further expressed Harry's reluctance to deprive his children of the opportunity to bond with their cousins, George, Charlotte, and Louis.

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2021

On what would have been their mother's 60th birthday in July, William and Harry presented a united front while unveiling Diana's statue in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace. In a joint statement, they paid tribute to her love, strength, and character, which had a transformative impact on numerous lives worldwide. Expressing their ongoing longing for her presence, they expressed the hope that the statue would forever stand as a symbol of her remarkable life and lasting legacy. The brothers extended their gratitude to Ian Rank-Broadley, Pip Morrison, and their teams for their exceptional craftsmanship, as well as to the friends, donors, and individuals worldwide who continue to keep their mother's memory alive.

2022

The Travalyst founder failed to attend the memorial for his late grandfather in the U.K., almost a year after Philip's passing. However, in April 2022, during their journey to the Invictus Games, he and Meghan did have the chance to spend time with the queen. Multiple sources confirmed that during this time, the Sussexes did not meet with William and Kate, who attended the royal family's annual Easter service just days after Harry and Meghan's unexpected visit. Nevertheless, an insider clarified that the missed connection was purely coincidental, as William happened to be skiing while Harry and Meghan were at Windsor Castle.

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2021

According to Omid Scobie, the author of Finding Freedom, even after more than a year since Harry's step back from his senior role, his older brother is still struggling to accept it.

"They are distinctly different individuals," remarked Scobie in August 2021, emphasizing, "

". "William has unquestionably embraced a life devoted to the crown and the institution, whereas Harry has ventured in a completely contrasting trajectory. Their perspectives will perpetually diverge, and unless both factions recognize this, progress will remain elusive."

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2021

William and Kate had planned a trip to the United States for the first time, but royal expert Jonathan Sacerdoti expressed doubts about their likelihood of staying with Harry and Meghan in California during their visit. Speaking exclusively to Us in November 2021, the British journalist described it as a "lose-lose situation." Declining an invitation might be seen as petty and nasty, while not receiving an invitation would also be interpreted in a negative light. Accepting such an invitation could potentially lead to disastrous consequences. Overall, Sacerdoti couldn't envision a successful outcome for this scenario.

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2022

During the Platinum Jubilee, in celebration of the queen's impressive 70-year reign, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in attendance at St. Paul's Cathedral for the Service of Thanksgiving. Although both couples were present, it was observed that the Sussexes chose not to sit alongside Prince William and Kate. A source revealed that the front row was reserved for senior members of the royal family, while non-senior members occupied the second row. This seating arrangement was deliberately implemented "to avoid any unwanted attention."

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2022

According to an exclusive source to Us in June 2022, the brothers' relationship has hit rock bottom and they have not been on good terms for the past two years. The insider revealed that William no longer recognizes who Harry has become and that trust between them is strained. Furthermore, the future king will maintain a civil demeanor to a certain extent, however, he will not engage in happy family dynamics with them anymore or pretend that everything is fine when it clearly is not.

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2022

Days following the demise of the queen, the brothers, along with their respective spouses, made a seldom-seen joint appearance in public, where they warmly received well-wishers outside Windsor Castle. "William extended an invitation to Harry and Meghan to join them," a source disclosed exclusively to Us regarding the reunion. "Due to coordinating the logistics, their arrival was momentarily delayed."

The brothers marched alongside each other in a procession towards Westminster Hall, carrying the queen's casket. However, confidential sources reveal that their relationship remains strained.

According to a royal expert, Charles is exercising caution in an attempt to foster unity. He recognizes the need to convince the British public of various matters, including accepting Camilla as queen. Therefore, he requires the support of both William and Harry. However, the expert asserts that the relationship between the two brothers is still tense.

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2022

According to an insider, the release of the first trailer for Harry and Meghan's docuseries by Netflix has only intensified the tension between the brothers. The source revealed that during Kate and William's visit to Boston, they were taken aback when the Netflix trailer aired, while Harry remained resolute in his determination to share his story with the public. This development has significantly strained already fragile relationships within the family.

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2022

In the later part of Harry & Meghan, Harry discussed how his relationship with his brother deteriorated after he left the royal family. Before the couple revealed their plans to withdraw from the royal family, Harry had a meeting with William, Charles, and Elizabeth at Sandringham to discuss the options available to the Sussexes. Unfortunately, the meeting did not go well, with Harry describing his brother yelling and shouting at him, his father making false accusations, and his grandmother silently observing the situation. Harry mentioned that he did not hold the late monarch responsible for her reaction. He acknowledged that the family, particularly the queen, had specific protocols and responsibilities to uphold as part of the institution.

Harry expressed that the most distressing aspect of the situation was the tension between himself and William. He explained that a divide had formed, with William aligning himself with the institution. Harry acknowledged that he understood this to some degree, as it was part of William's inheritance and responsibility to uphold the institution's survival and continuity.

Furthermore, the BetterUp CIO stated that William had released a joint statement refuting claims of bullying without consulting Harry. Harry expressed disbelief, stating that he had not been approached or given permission for his name to be associated with such a statement.

The cofounders of Archewell accused Jason Knauf, an aide to Prince William, of submitting a witness statement against Meghan during her lawsuit against the Daily Mail, allegedly with permission from William's office. Knauf denied the claim in a statement shared in the docuseries, while William has not publicly responded to the accusation.

Following a challenging reunion with Prince Charles and Prince William at Prince Philip's funeral, Harry expressed doubt that he and his family would ever fully address their issues. "I've accepted that we probably won't receive genuine accountability or a sincere apology," he stated. "My wife and I are moving forward and focusing on what lies ahead."

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2023

Harry documented a physical altercation he had with William in his Spare memoir. The incident occurred in 2019 after William allegedly referred to Meghan as "difficult" and "rude." Reflecting on the incident, Harry described it as an incredibly swift encounter. He recounted how William forcefully grabbed him by the collar, resulting in his necklace being torn apart, and then forcefully knocked him down onto the floor. As he fell, Harry unintentionally landed on the dogs' bowl, causing it to shatter beneath his back, and the broken pieces pierced into his skin. In a dazed state, he remained motionless for a moment before rising to his feet and instructing William to depart from the scene.

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2023

According to an exclusive source, William no longer recognizes his brother since the release of Spare. The insider shared that William is profoundly disturbed by the situation and although he wishes to maintain hope for future reconciliation, it has become challenging for him.

According to a source, William was offended by the "explosive" chapters, which he found to be disrespectful towards him, Kate, and Charles. The insider stated that William currently has no intention of communicating with Harry and has accepted the possibility that they may be estranged for good.

Additionally, another insider mentioned that William wants to leave behind the drama caused by Harry, but has not made any attempts to reach out to him. A third source further emphasized that William views Harry as deceptive and untrustworthy, considering him to be merely an illusion.

Prior to their anticipated reunion at Charles’ coronation in May 2023, Omid Scobie, author of Finding Freedom, suggested that there has been limited communication between the brothers since the passing of Queen Elizabeth.

Both brothers were present at their father's coronation in May. However, they occupied different seating arrangements within Westminster Abbey. William, accompanied by his wife, sat in the front row, while Harry sat alongside his cousins in the third row. There seemed to be no interaction between the two during the ceremony, and Harry was not present on the Buckingham Palace balcony when the rest of the family appeared.

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October 2023

“William wants his relationship with his brother to improve, but they’re not speaking right now,” a source exclusively told Us. “So when that will happen is still uncertain.”