Prince William is reportedly facing another difficult moment within his family after claims emerged about his reaction to Prince Harry's growing closeness with their uncle, Earl Spencer.
The latest controversy is linked to Charles Spencer's new memoir, Swan Song, which has brought renewed attention to Princess Diana's life, her marriage to King Charles and the events surrounding her death.
According to reports citing royal sources, William is particularly unhappy about the apparent relationship between Harry and Earl Spencer. The reports claim that William sees the connection as an alliance that has added to tensions within the Royal Family.
One report quoted a source as saying that William has become extremely angry over what is described as Harry's closeness with their uncle. The source claimed that William has referred to both Harry and Earl Spencer as “traitors.” This remains an attributed claim from unnamed sources, rather than a confirmed public statement from William.
The situation has attracted attention because Harry and Meghan recently visited Earl Spencer at Althorp. The visit added to speculation about the relationship between Harry and his mother's family at a time when Spencer's memoir was already generating headlines.
Harry's relationship with his uncle has long attracted interest because both men share a close connection to Princess Diana. Harry was only 12 when his mother died in 1997, while Earl Spencer delivered the famous eulogy at Diana's funeral.
The publication of Spencer's memoir has brought Diana back into the centre of public discussion. The book contains claims about her marriage to Charles and the period surrounding her death, creating renewed media attention for the Royal Family.
William has so far avoided publicly commenting on his uncle's book. Reporters previously asked him about the memoir during a royal engagement, but he did not provide a public response.
Earl Spencer has also spoken publicly about how he informed William and Harry about the book. He said that he told both brothers about the memoir at the same time, along with their sisters Sarah and Jane. Spencer also said that Harry was “completely fine” with the book and that he had deliberately avoided including material that could compromise the brothers' privacy.
That account is significant because it differs from the speculation surrounding William's reaction. While reports have suggested that William is deeply unhappy about the situation, there has been no public confirmation from the Prince of Wales that he considers Harry or Spencer to be traitors.
The controversy has also placed King Charles in an uncomfortable position. Spencer's memoir includes controversial claims about the late Princess Diana and her relationship with the former Prince of Wales.
King Charles has already responded to criticism connected with Spencer's claims. A royal spokesperson previously referred to the way grief can affect memory, judgment and reason, marking an unusual response to comments from Diana's brother.
For William, the issue is particularly sensitive because the memoir concerns his mother and his father's relationship with her. Diana's death and her marriage to Charles have remained deeply discussed subjects throughout William's public life.
The reported tension with Harry adds another layer to the situation. The brothers have experienced a strained relationship for several years, with Harry making a number of public revelations about his time within the Royal Family.
Harry's decision to remain close to Earl Spencer does not itself prove that he is taking sides against William. However, the timing of their meetings and the publication of Spencer's memoir have encouraged further speculation about the family's internal relationships.
William has continued to focus publicly on his royal responsibilities rather than discussing the family dispute. His silence means that many of the claims surrounding his private reaction remain based on reports and unnamed sources.
The latest developments therefore show how quickly a memoir about Princess Diana can become connected to the current Royal Family. With William remaining publicly silent, attention is likely to stay focused on Harry's relationship with Earl Spencer and the continuing impact of Diana's legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Prince William is reportedly unhappy about Prince Harry's close relationship with Earl Spencer.
- Reports citing unnamed royal sources claim William has referred to Harry and Spencer as “traitors.”
- There is no public confirmation from William that he used the term.
- Earl Spencer's new memoir, Swan Song, has renewed attention on Princess Diana and King Charles.
- Spencer said he told William and Harry about the book at the same time.
- Spencer has said Harry was comfortable with the memoir and that he protected the brothers' privacy.
- William has not publicly commented on the controversial claims contained in his uncle's book.
- The latest controversy has added another layer to the long-running tensions surrounding Harry and William.
