Royal Historian Explains the Real Reason Behind William and Harry's Rift: 'They've Gone...'

Harry once claimed that disagreements are unavoidable given the constant pressure that the royal family faces having to live life in the spotlight.

The tension between brothers Prince William and Prince Harry came to light after the latter and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down from royal duties in 2020. But, as per reports, their rift began long back, in 2016, when William voiced his concerns about the pace of Harry’s courtship of Markle. According to sources, William's candid words sparked a divide. Royal historian Robert Lacey revealed that this tension escalated a few months after Harry and Markle’s 2018 wedding.

As reported by Hello! magazine, Lacey claimed, "I think one of the clear things that has been lacking in this situation is a mother figure to knock their heads together. Friends of Diana have said to me–and I think they're right–that if Diana were alive, it wouldn't have got to this situation.” This statement came as the brothers were preparing to inaugurate a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, at Kensington Palace. The author, at the time, believed that the event might help mend their relationship. Lacey said, "I think that will create great progress."

He explained, "I can't believe that either of them would want this occasion to be divisive. If they've gone to all this trouble to raise a monument to Diana and what she stands for and stood for, then surely it’s a time for them to align their own position with what she would have wanted.” Lacey further revealed, "I have heard that Harry has been saying to friends he would like to reconcile, but I think for William to move forward, he would need some assurance that there's not going to be more revelatory interviews. Trust has got to be restored because you can't negotiate serious reconciliation unless you can discuss things in private."

William's relationship with Harry deteriorating also had to do with their wives not getting along. In 2018, rumors surfaced about a tense moment between the two royal ladies at Harry and Markle's wedding. As per reports, Kate Middleton was unhappy about her daughter Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress. Three years later, during her sitdown with Oprah Winfrey, Markle opened up about her version of events, claiming that she was reduced to tears by Middleton's texts. But Markle noted that Middleton took responsibility and offered a sincere apology, as reported by Us Weekly.

During an interview, when Harry was asked directly about the reports of a conflict with his brother, he said that they have good days and bad days having to lead life in the spotlight. As reported by the Daily Express, he said, “We are brothers. We will always be brothers. We are certainly on different paths at the moment, but I will always be there for him as I know he will always be there for me.”