Yet tensions with the royals remain to this day – and it isn’t just Prince Harry’s relationship with King Charles that’s under scrutiny.
Prince Harry’s relationship with Prince William
Prince Harry’s relationship with his older brother, Prince William, has made headlines too – they reportedly drifted after he and Markle stepped back from royal life.
Their mother, Princess Diana, tragically died in a car accident in 1997. They were just 15 and 12 years old at the time.
Andrew Morton, the late Princess Diana’s biographer, shared in a 2019 issue with Royals Monthly (per Us Weekly): “Their relationship is incredibly intimate.”
Yet following the release of ‘Spare,’ a source told Us Weekly that Prince William ‘doesn’t even recognize’ his younger brother anymore.
The insider claimed: “He wants to believe that there’s still hope for peace down the line, but it’s hard.”
The brothers appeared to keep their distance at their father’s coronation in May 2023 – and now, their relationship may have become even more problematic.
And it’s all because of their father, King Charles.
Prince Harry’s 2024 UK visit
Prince Harry’s 2024 visit to the UK made headlines.
A spokesperson for the Duke told the BBC that he would not see his father as the King had a ‘full programme.’
However, it was also reported that Prince Harry turned down King Charles’s offer of a royal residence during his visit.
This drama came amid an announcement from the King, which led to people questioning its timing.
Royal author and commentator Tom Quinn told The Mirror that the King may have made the declaration as a deliberate signal to his youngest son, emphasising his permanent estrangement from the royal family.
He claims Prince Harry was ‘in tears when he heard,’ 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.
“And 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.”
King Charles’ brutal announcement
King Charles appointed Prince William as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role many believed was intended for Prince Harry.
The decision appears to underscore the rift within the family, especially given Prince Harry’s military service with the corps in Afghanistan, a period he reportedly cherished for the sense of normalcy and merit-based recognition it provided.
Royal commentator Pandora Forsyth has defended the decision to appoint Prince William, telling Sky News the Prince of Wales is the ‘right fit for the role.’
Forsyth said: “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 now the reality for Harry. And it’s brutal and of course, it’s going to hit home because it’s very personal for him.”
Where do Prince Harry and King Charles stand now?
Prince Harry met with his father at Clarence House in London in September 2025, marking their first face-to-face meeting since February 2024 – shortly after the King’s cancer diagnosis.
In a May 2025 interview, the Duke said he would ‘love a reconciliation with my family,’ adding: “There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious.”
The BBC reported that the father and son had a private tea that lasted around 50 minutes.
There were no signs of Prince Harry meeting with his older brother during this UK visit.