Prince Harry’s Close Friend Says William Will Likely ‘Embrace’ His Brother by 'End of the Year'
The rift between Prince William and Prince Harry has become one of the most talked-about storylines in the royal family’s recent history. Once inseparable, the brothers now live on opposite sides of the Atlantic, and reportedly haven't spoken in over 2 years. The idea of a reconciliation, hence, feels far-fetched. Yet those closest to Harry believe a reunion with his brother is not only possible but imminent. One of his long-time confidants is now suggesting that the frost may finally melt, and that when it does, the world is set to witness a very public 'embrace'.
Alex Rayner, a long-time confidant of Harry’s who joined him on a North Pole charity trek in 2012, believes the brothers’ reunion is closer than many would think. “As soon as the opportunity presents itself, we’ll see a wonderful embrace between the two brothers. Absolutely,” Rayner said, as per the Daily Mail. Offering a cautious optimism, Rayner said, “I would hope so. Certainly, if not by the end of the year, then next. They’ll hug in the not-too-distant future.” Rayner, who, like Harry, studied at Eton, insists the Prince is now not cut off from his father.
“A rift between father and son is never that big,” he explained. “A father’s love for his son is pretty indestructible.” The signs of a thaw have been evident, as last week, during his trip to the UK, Harry sat down with his father after 19 months, at Clarence House, for an hour-long tea session. Though the meeting was brief, it definitely suggested that the doors that were firmly closed are now slowly opening.
Harry, during his surprise visit to Ukraine, also spoke to The Guardian, and confessed he would like to bring his children to the UK one day, adding that “this week [the sitdown] has definitely brought that closer.” The rift with William, however, has reportedly not improved. According to The Daily Beast, a close friend of the Prince of Wales explained his deep misgivings. “Ultimately, William is a loyal soldier. He respects his father’s rank, and he respects his father’s right to make his own decisions, and he won’t make a fuss if it happens,” the friend said. “But he thinks a Harry meeting is a terrible, terrible idea.”
The two brothers have not met since the funeral of their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, three years ago. Even when they attended the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, in Norfolk last year, witnesses say they managed to avoid even a polite exchange.
Recently, when Harry was doing back-to-back engagements in the UK, he made time between engagements to meet the King, but did not meet William, who was just miles away. Neither did the heir apparent make any effort. Yet only days later, the Prince of Wales was front and centre in welcoming Donald Trump during the President’s state visit.