Prince Harry initially seemed open to a conversation with his brother, Prince William. However, his mood swiftly changed due to concerns that their discussion might be leaked to the press. The longstanding tension between the once-inseparable siblings has been further brought to light by revelations from royal author Valentine Low in his book "Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown."
Low details an incident from 2019 during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's tour of southern Africa. During an interview with ITV's Tom Bradby, Harry candidly discussed the struggles they faced with royal life. He admitted to having good days and bad days. Following the interview, Prince William reached out to Harry via WhatsApp, seeking to address the issues at hand.
According to Low, Harry initially agreed but then abruptly changed his mind. His response to William's request was blunt and clear: "Don't come." Low elaborates on the incident, noting that the day after the documentary aired, William messaged his brother again, asking if he could visit. Initially, Harry was agreeable, but after reconsidering, he expressed concerns about who William might tell. William explained that he would have to clear his schedule, which would involve informing his private secretary. At that point, Harry told him not to come.
Harry's fear of the press played a significant role in this decision. He was so worried that the visit would be leaked to the media that he preferred not to see his brother rather than risk public exposure. This deep-seated distrust has contributed significantly to the growing gap between Harry and the rest of the royal family.
In his memoir, Harry accused certain members of the royal family of leaking information to the press to enhance their public image, further highlighting his animosity towards media intrusion. This hostility was also evident during Harry and Meghan's wedding, which was described by Royal photographer Arthur Edwards as the most challenging he had covered in his career.
Harry and Meghan's departure from royal duties in early 2020 marked a significant shift in their relationship with the royal family. Now residing in Montecito, California, with their two children, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have distanced themselves from the royal spotlight, focusing on their own ventures and philanthropy.
The brief exchange between Harry and William, as recounted by Low, underscores the deep mistrust and the personal and public challenges that have driven a wedge between the once-close brothers. As the royal family navigates these turbulent times, the path to reconciliation remains uncertain.
