In recent years, the British royal family has been under intense scrutiny, particularly since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relocated to the United States. The couple has since become a polarizing topic within the monarchy, and tensions appear to be escalating rather than easing.
Despite occasional glimpses of reconciliation, the relationships within the royal family remain strained. A recent example of this tension was the alleged disrespect shown by the royals toward Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son, Archie, during his fifth birthday celebration. To make matters worse, reports have surfaced that Prince Harry was left "in tears” after being snubbed by his father, King Charles.
The fractured bond between Prince Harry and King Charles is undoubtedly a focal point, but it is not the only issue plaguing the family. Since stepping back from royal duties, Prince Harry’s relationship with his older brother, Prince William, has also deteriorated significantly. The brothers, who were just 15 and 12 years old when their mother, Princess Diana, tragically died in 1997, once shared an "incredibly intimate” bond, according to Diana’s biographer, Andrew Morton. However, following the release of Harry’s memoir, *Spare*, Prince William has reportedly distanced himself even further, with sources claiming he "doesn’t even recognize” his younger brother anymore. An insider revealed, "He wants to believe there’s still hope for peace down the line, but it’s hard.”
During Prince Harry’s brief visit to the UK for King Charles’s coronation in May 2023, the brothers maintained a noticeable distance, further highlighting the ongoing rift. The strained dynamics seem to stem, at least in part, from King Charles himself. Reports suggest that the King was unable to meet with Harry during his visit due to a "full programme,” though he did offer his son a royal residence to stay in. However, Harry reportedly declined the offer.
The timing of these events has raised eyebrows, with royal author and commentator Tom Quinn suggesting that King Charles may have been sending a deliberate message to Harry, emphasizing his permanent estrangement from the royal family. Quinn claimed that Harry was "in tears” upon learning of the snub, adding, "What makes it much worse is that the role is being given to the very man who Harry sees as the cause of so many of his problems—his brother. The announcement was deliberately made during Harry’s brief visit to the UK to have maximum impact; it shows Harry that he really is no longer welcome.”
Adding to the tension, Prince Harry was reportedly hopeful about being appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role that held personal significance for him. However, King Charles instead awarded the position to Prince William. This decision has been interpreted as another sign of the deepening divide within the family, one that may be more severe than the public had realized.
Royal commentator Pandora Forsyth defended the decision, stating that Prince William was the "right fit for the role.” Forsyth explained, "Prince Harry knew this when he left as a senior member of the working family—that he would have to give up his honorary military titles. So, unfortunately, this is just the reality for Harry now. And it’s brutal, of course, because it’s very personal for him.”
The ongoing tensions within the royal family continue to captivate public attention, with many wondering if reconciliation is possible or if the divide will only grow wider. For now, it seems the wounds are far from healed, and the future of these relationships remains uncertain.
