Prince Harry’s 'Leverage' Over Charles & William Revealed by Insider — And It Isn’t Archie & Lilibet
Insiders have argued that Prince Harry is using Prince William and King Charles' reported distance to serve his purpose.
Prince Harry’s visit to the UK was both emotional and sincerely chaotic. Now that he has met King Charles, there is scope for repair in their frayed relationship. However, things between Harry and Prince William remain icy as ever. In fact, reports suggest the recent reunion has also had an effect on William's relationship with Charles. While royal experts have argued that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are the trump card that gets Harry his reunion, according to insiders who spoke to Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice Substack, it is rather the optics. They argue that Harry understands the complicated relationship between Charles and William and isn't afraid to use it to his advantage.
A palace insider explained, “Harry doesn’t just know where the weak spots are — he knows how to use them. He understands exactly where Charles and William see things differently, and he knows how to put them on opposite sides of the same issue.” They added, “That’s exactly where he has leverage!”
The insider claimed the divide between Charles and William has become more noticeable in recent years, particularly following the King’s cancer diagnosis, as the heir apparent stepped into a more prominent leadership role. Beyond this, the fact that Harry and Meghan Markle and their kids didn’t meet with William and Princess Kate is arguably proof of the Waleses' stance on a reconciliation. This has reportedly caused a major divide in the Royal Family. Discussing Harry’s meeting with the King, another royal source said, “Harry knew exactly what the optics would be."
“A meeting with Charles was always going to infuriate William. Harry understands that his father still thinks like a parent, while William thinks like the future King. Those are two very different mindsets, and Harry knows how to play to both.” Meanwhile, sources close to William truly believe that there are too many wounds to heal. They claim that William’s trust in his brother is long lost, while "Harry knows that reconciliation with Charles, even in small steps, puts enormous pressure on William. He understands exactly how those dynamics play out — and he’s prepared to use them when it suits him.”
