Harry Is ‘Very Good at Being Prince’ But Expert Warns William Will Ultimately Play 'Decider'

Royal expert Tina Brown argues that William’s mistrust runs deep, even as Kate urges Harry to return and rebuild his fractured bond with William.

According to a new report, the next chapter of Prince Harry’s relationship with the royal family may rest with one person, that is, Prince William. The hurdle, of course, is the years of bitterness, silence, and emotional distance that have grown between the brothers since the Sussexes' exit. In this long-running stalemate, Kate Middleton is reportedly attempting to carve out a middle ground, even though the final call still sits firmly with her husband. 

Tina Brown, renowned royal commentator and author of Palace Papers, told The New York Times that while she would "like to see a way for him [Harry] to make amends with his family," the window is narrowing. "It gets harder and harder as the years go by," she admitted. Brown added, "William is going to be the decider of that," and that he is firm in his position. She said, he holds "a very tough view of the whole situation," convinced that the "betrayal of Harry is not something that can be remedied."

Brown, however, also praised his charm, calling the Duke "very good at being a prince," a man who could disarm an audience without trying and bring gravitas to causes with an authentic warmth. "He's charming, he's upbeat, he's attractive, he makes people happy when he walks into a room," she said. "You could send him around the world and he's always going to be welcomed and appealing."

In this situation, it is only Middleton who can reportedly bridge the gap. She allegedly wants Harry to make another UK visit but without Meghan Markle, believing it will reset the dynamic between brothers. An insider reportedly told Heat World that she has "tried everything to get William to soften on Harry, and Meghan as well," but has seen "no moving with him."

Harry returning solo would signal independence rather than a package deal, showing William that he is willing to come as himself rather than as part of what William perceives as a united front with Markle, and would only complicate things further. "Her hands are tied," the source said, "so in the spirit of being practical, she's urging Harry to come back without Meghan on his next trip, as proof that he's his own man and not joined at the hip with his wife."

Middleton's reasoning, the insider added, is rooted in long-term hopes rather than in any short-term fixes. "She believes it's the only way he can start rebuilding his reputation in William's eyes… Middleton is trying to keep a bridge open for Harry before it's too late, but it does feel a little insurmountable. William's anger and mistrust just run so deep."