The relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry is reportedly entering another difficult phase, with the brothers described by a royal historian as being locked in a “very, very cold war.”
The latest assessment comes as Harry and Meghan Markle continue their return to life in the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Their move back to Britain has placed renewed attention on Harry’s relationship with members of the Royal Family, particularly his older brother William.
According to PEOPLE, the brothers have still not resumed direct communication. Sources cited by the publication say that while Harry has made efforts to rebuild his relationship with King Charles, William has continued to keep his distance.
Harry’s relationship with his father has reportedly seen some movement. The Duke of Sussex reunited with Charles in July and has subsequently spoken with the King by phone. However, the same progress has not been reported in Harry’s relationship with William.
Royal historian Amanda Foreman described the current situation as having moved from a “hot war” to a “very, very cold war,” according to PEOPLE. The description reflects the reported lack of direct communication and the continued distance between the two brothers.
The situation has become particularly noticeable because Harry and Meghan are now back in the UK after several years living in California. Their return has inevitably brought the family relationship back into the spotlight, even as William and Princess Kate continue to focus on their own family and royal responsibilities.
William and Kate have also recently experienced major changes within their immediate family. Their eldest son, Prince George, has started at Eton College, creating another significant royal-family milestone during the same period that Harry and Meghan are establishing their new chapter in Britain.
Despite the renewed attention surrounding the Sussexes’ return, PEOPLE reports that William is not currently seeking to restore a relationship with Harry, either privately or through royal duties. This remains based on sources quoted by the publication rather than a public statement from William himself.
The contrast between Harry’s relationship with Charles and his relationship with William is therefore becoming increasingly apparent. While Harry has reportedly opened communication with his father, there has been no comparable development publicly reported between the brothers.
Harry has previously spoken about wanting reconciliation within his family, and his return to Britain has created more opportunities for contact. However, William and Kate have reportedly avoided making a sudden response to the Sussexes’ move and have continued concentrating on their children and official responsibilities.
The brothers’ strained relationship has been a subject of public attention for years, particularly following Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties and Harry’s subsequent public comments about his family.
Now, with the Sussex family physically closer to the Royal Family, expectations surrounding a possible reconciliation have increased. Yet the latest reporting indicates that proximity has not translated into a renewed relationship between William and Harry.
For the moment, the reported situation remains one of distance rather than reconciliation. Harry has continued his charitable work and UK activities, while William remains focused on his role as Prince of Wales and his responsibilities with Kate and their children.
The “very, very cold war” description therefore captures the latest reported state of the brothers’ relationship, but it comes from a royal historian and sources cited by PEOPLE rather than from an official statement by either prince. Whether the situation changes in the future remains unknown.
Key Takeaways
- Prince William and Prince Harry’s relationship remains strained, according to recent reporting.
- PEOPLE reports that the brothers have not resumed direct communication.
- Harry has reportedly made progress in his relationship with King Charles.
- Royal historian Amanda Foreman described the brothers’ relationship as a “very, very cold war.”
- Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK has renewed attention on the family rift.
- William and Kate are reportedly concentrating on their children and royal responsibilities.
- There has been no public confirmation from William about the private state of his relationship with Harry.
