The British Royal Family is again facing internal tensions in the wake of Prince Harry’s recent interview, which the BBC aired on May 2, 2025. Reports indicate that Prince William had the strongest reaction to his brother’s public comments on family matters, as noted by sources close to the royal household.
A palace insider disclosed that “William is more hurt than anything else” due to Harry’s televised remarks, where the Duke of Sussex alleged that his father, King Charles III, is not communicating with him. The source emphasized that Prince William, aged 42, and his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, 43, are not currently interacting with Harry, 40, and Meghan Markle, 43. Their focus remains on maintaining a peaceful environment amid other ongoing issues.
In the interview, Harry voiced dissatisfaction with his security provisions during visits to the United Kingdom. He suggested that King Charles could resolve the security disagreements, but he opted not to do so. This came after Harry’s failed legal attempt to secure government-funded security in the UK. Notably, the interview did not include direct references to William or Kate.
Observers have noted that Harry’s public statements coincide with a delicate period for the Prince and Princess of Wales. The couple has been concentrating on Kate’s health after her cancer diagnosis was announced in March 2024. Kate has reportedly been in remission since September 2024, and the family is committed to sustaining stability during her recovery.
The source stated that discussions about Harry and Meghan have been intentionally minimized in William and Kate’s household to ensure “a less stressful environment.” Staff are reportedly advised against mentioning Meghan’s name around Kate to avoid emotional distress.
The insider remarked that while reconciliation with Harry is possible due to familial ties, the relationship with Meghan involves additional challenges. Palace sources indicated that Kate does not intend to reconnect with her sister-in-law, despite any potential reconciliation between the brothers.
The discord between the two couples has evolved considerably since Harry and Meghan decided to step back from royal duties in January 2020, opting to establish their permanent residence in California. The couples, once referred to by British media as the “Fab Four,” have had limited public engagements since the Sussexes moved to the United States.
Royal analyst Tom Quinn suggests that specific incidents have contributed to the strained relations between the women. In his recent book, Quinn claims that Meghan viewed Kate as “too eager to please” within the royal framework, while Kate reportedly found Meghan’s handling of royal protocols difficult.
A frequently cited incident involves disagreements over Princess Charlotte’s attire for Harry and Meghan’s wedding on May 19, 2018. Accounts differ regarding who was more affected by the discussion, though reports at the time indicated both women were emotionally impacted.
Harry and Meghan, who marked their seventh wedding anniversary this month, reside in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, three. Harry has voiced regret over his children’s limited connection with their extended family in Britain.
Sources close to William suggest that his silence is a strategic decision rather than a sign of indifference. A friend of the Prince of Wales described Harry’s recent comments as inappropriate, implying that public discussion of private family matters has further eroded trust within the royal circle.
The monarchy faces additional challenges beyond the fraternal dispute. King Charles III has been addressing his health issues since early 2024, adding complexity to family dynamics. Analysts suggest that the public nature of these disputes may affect public perception of the monarchy.
The palace source indicated that the royal family believes that significant progress toward reconciliation would necessitate Harry’s discretion regarding family issues. The insider noted that family members do not foresee a resolution as long as Harry publicly discusses private matters.
Harry’s remarks about security arrangements underscore practical barriers to family reunification beyond emotional factors. The Duke maintains that security concerns hinder regular visits to the UK with his family, though UK authorities have previously stated that their security assessment process is “rigorous and proportionate.”
