Home > HEIRS & SPARES

Harry is 'Playing The Long Game' And Wants a 'Royal Court' in the UK That Rival William’s: Insider

(L) Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at the 2020 Invictus Games; (R) Prince William, Prince of Wales visits St. Michael's Church of England School (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo; (L) Samir Hussein/WireImage (R))
(L) Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at the 2020 Invictus Games; (R) Prince William, Prince of Wales visits St. Michael's Church of England School (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby/Indigo; (L) Samir Hussein/WireImage (R))
Dec. 11 2025, Published 08:37 AM. ET
Link to Facebook Share to X Share to Flipboard Share to Email

Recent speculations surrounding Prince Harry have intensified following claims that he is preparing to establish a separate royal presence in the UK. Latest reports suggest the Duke may be laying the groundwork for a court structure designed to operate independently and potentially in competition with Prince William’s established royal circles. 

Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Toby Melville - WPA Pool
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the opening of the Greenhouse Sports Centre (Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Toby Melville - WPA Pool)

Prince Harry just won a review in his ongoing bid to win back official security in the UK. It’s a huge step that could allow him to travel safely in England with his family. According to sources via Rob Shuter for ShuterScoop, this development may set the stage for even larger moves upon Harry’s potential return to his home country. As per the reports, Harry is laying the foundation for “a fully functioning royal court in Britain,” and it’s meant to “rival” his brother Prince William’s. This claim has quickly intensified speculations regarding Harry’s long-term ambitions. 

An insider claimed, “He’s been playing the long game. Harry wants legitimacy. He wants to operate in the U.K. on his own terms—meetings, charitable work, high-level engagements—without being treated like a guest in his own country.” The shift in tone from Harry’s camp suggests a broader strategy beyond security alone. Another source told Shuter, “This isn’t just about security. It’s about creating a separate royal ecosystem. He’s building a court, and he’s doing it carefully.” These statements indicate that Harry’s efforts may represent a structural recalibration rather than simply a personal or symbolic victory. 

Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend an Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey (Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo)

Further adding to the intrigue, another insight provided by a source said, “William has his court. Harry wants his. This isn’t about a return to the family—it’s about competing with them.” Another insider added to this by claiming, “The security decision is just the first domino. Once it’s in place, Harry can quietly expand his influence without anyone really noticing—until it’s too late.” These stances shed light on how the debate is shifting from reconciliation to rivalry, with Harry’s next steps, as some observers see it, as strategically measured rather than merely reactive. 

The sense of competition between William and Harry has been emphasized in additional coverage surrounding their public engagements. Reports suggested the latter’s competitive streak reignited after seeing his sibling pose with celebrities at major events. The Prince of Wales posed with pop star Kylie Minogue as they gathered for the Earthshot Prize Awards in Brazil in November. He has also teamed up with celebrities like Waddingham and Cate Blanchett. It influenced Harry to follow his elder brother’s lead. According to Express, an insider said, it “lit a fire under him [Harry].” He is now working to rope in global sensation Jennifer Lopez for the 2027 Invictus Games. The insider added, “If [Harry] can land her [Lopez] to make an appearance at an Invictus event, it would be phenomenal for the charity and a thrill for him too. He’s reaching out to everyone that he’s got a connection to; it’s not just Lopez that he’s trying to lure in.”

Prince William, Prince of Wales (L) and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Paul Ellis - WPA Pool)
Prince William, Prince of Wales (L) and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex follow the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Paul Ellis - WPA Pool)

It’s not new for Harry to face claims of trying to overshadow William. Earlier in November, when the latter was in Brazil for Earthshot engagements, the former traveled to Toronto for Remembrance Week events. It prompted critics to accuse the Duke of Sussex of stealing attention from the royal family. However, one of his spokespersons told the Daily Mail that Harry is “not afforded the same level of security and protection as other working members of the Royal Family,” meaning that “the period of time in which we can release details of events is much more truncated than it is for His Majesty the King or the Prince of Wales.”

GET BREAKING ROYAL NEWS
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

More Stories