Harry Can 'Get Around the William Problem,' Says Expert — But Only if Kate Plays 'Peacemaker'
Prince Harry has been estranged from Prince William since he stepped down as a senior royal in 2020. While relocating to California was the final straw, tensions between the brothers first began when Harry married Meghan Markle. Although the brothers haven't reportedly spoken in over 2 years, royal experts believe there is one person who could finally mend their long-standing rift. In a new Channel 5 documentary, commentators suggested Kate Middleton could encourage her husband to reconcile with Harry, as she has always been quite fond of the Duke.
In The Jobless Prince: What Will Harry Do Next?, royal expert Charlotte Griffiths opined, "I think Harry could get around the William problem if he got Catherine on board. If Catherine played peacemaker, which I think she would be open to, as she is, or was, quite fond of Harry." Although Griffiths expressed optimism about a possible thaw in the brothers' relationship, she emphasized that it is highly unlikely the Duke will ever return as a working royal once the Prince of Wales ascends the throne. She said, "William will not have his brother back in the royal family when he is on the throne."
To argue her case, Griffiths pointed to the late Prince Philip's 2021 funeral, where Middleton reportedly acted as a 'peacemaker' to quell the tension between the brothers. After the service at St. George's Chapel, the royals went back to Windsor Castle on foot. Middleton, William, and Harry were seen chatting as they left the chapel, with the Princess of Wales stepping back to allow the brothers to speak privately. Weighing in on the same, royal author Brian Hoey said, "They say cometh the hour, cometh the man. But in the royal family's case, it’s a woman. Thank God for Kate — she is the rock the monarchy will depend on. On Saturday, she behaved absolutely impeccably."
Middleton's 'peacemaker' role reportedly dates back to before Harry and Markle stepped down from royal duties. Reports suggest she encouraged Harry in 2019 to 'extend an olive branch' to William in hopes of repairing their fractured relationship. That Easter, she attempted to mend what was described as "a complete and utter breakdown of communication" between the brothers. Subsequently, the Sussexes invited William and Middleton to their new home at Windsor after church service. At the time, a Palace source told The Mirror, "The Duchess and Harry have developed a very close bond over the years."
After years of being estranged, William's stance towards his younger brother may finally be softening, though not without boundaries. A source close to the Prince of Wales told The National Examiner that while he "is not totally closed off to the idea of making peace with" Harry, the process would need to unfold carefully. Now, with Christmas around the corner, William reportedly recognizes how much a reconciliation with Harry would mean to King Charles and Middleton.