Prince Harry’s reported move closer to the royal family may bring him physically nearer to Prince William, but a royal expert has warned that distance is not the only issue standing between the brothers.
According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, Harry’s return to the United Kingdom is unlikely to automatically repair the strained relationship he shares with William. Harrold, who previously worked for King Charles III and now works as an etiquette expert and broadcaster, believes rebuilding trust will require consistent effort rather than public appearances or carefully chosen words.
“I doubt Harry’s move back to the U.K. is going to completely heal things between William and Harry,” Harrold said, according to the original report. He suggested that the brothers have experienced too much conflict for a change of location alone to resolve their differences.
The royal expert believes Harry will have to demonstrate through his actions that he genuinely wants to repair the relationship. For William, seeing that effort continue over time could be more meaningful than any promises or conversations.
The speculation comes after reports emerged on August 19 that Harry and Meghan Markle plan to spend an extended period in the UK with their children. Their reported return could place Harry much closer to William, Kate Middleton and other members of the royal family after years of living primarily in the United States.
Harry and Meghan are reportedly expected to maintain their California home while also keeping their property interests elsewhere. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are also reportedly expected to attend school in Britain from September.
However, the family’s physical proximity could create a complicated new chapter rather than an instant reconciliation.
William and Kate have not publicly confirmed how they feel about Harry and Meghan’s reported plans. Their relationship with the Sussexes has remained strained since Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 and subsequently spoke publicly about their experiences within the monarchy.
Royal author Christopher Andersen previously suggested that William and Kate could find the situation challenging, particularly because they already face significant responsibilities connected with the future of the monarchy.
Harrold, meanwhile, believes it is still too early to predict exactly how the wider royal family will respond. He says Harry could have considerable work ahead if he wants to rebuild relationships that have weakened over the years.
One potentially positive area could be Harry’s relationship with his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. The sisters have historically been viewed as close to Harry, while also maintaining relationships with William.
That connection could give Harry an opportunity to rebuild some family ties without forcing other relatives to choose sides.
Harrold believes Beatrice and Eugenie are unlikely to take sides between the brothers. However, Harry’s unresolved relationship with William could make family reunions more complicated than they once were.
Ultimately, Harry’s reported return to Britain may provide an opportunity for greater family contact, but it does not guarantee reconciliation. If the royal expert’s assessment proves accurate, the real test will come after the headlines fade.
For Harry and William, rebuilding their relationship may depend less on where Harry lives and far more on whether both brothers are willing to make sustained efforts behind the scenes.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry’s reported UK return may bring him closer to Prince William, but it is not expected to automatically repair their relationship.
- Royal expert Grant Harrold believes consistent actions will matter more than words.
- Harry may have significant work to do to rebuild trust within the wider royal family.
- Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie could provide an important connection for Harry.
- William and Kate have not publicly commented on the reported relocation plans.
- Harry’s physical return to Britain could create opportunities for reconciliation, but lasting healing may take considerably longer.
