As tensions between Prince Harry and the royal family continue to cast a long shadow, recent reports suggest that Prince William may be choosing to let go of lingering resentment towards his younger brother.
While past claims suggested the Prince of Wales wouldn’t extend an invitation to Harry for his future coronation, new sources now say William is shifting his focus as he enters a new phase of life.
Turning 43 Brings Reflection and Release
Prince William marked his 43rd birthday on June 21, and according to The Mirror, this milestone also represents a personal turning point. A source speaking to The Sunday Times revealed that the heir to the throne is consciously leaving behind certain emotional burdens, including his long-standing feud with Harry.
The insider shared, “What has struck me the most recently is that he just doesn’t mention it at all.” The source went on to say, “It used to be that the family stuff was taking up a lot of space in his head; it was a very close relationship, and he was very upset. But he’s not letting it get to him at all anymore. It is a change. It’s sad, but it’s a much healthier space for him to be at.”
A Strained History Between the Brothers
The rift between the brothers deepened after Prince Harry’s revealing memoir Spare, published in 2023. In it, Harry recounted several painful family moments—including an alleged physical altercation with William in 2019 inside Kensington Palace. At the time, the fallout reportedly left William “burning with rage,” according to one of his friends.
Harry had also made public appeals for reconciliation, admitting in a BBC interview that he understood his family may never forgive him for the revelations in his book. Despite these gestures, no tangible progress appears to have been made toward healing the rift.
William’s birthday this year came during a period of personal hardship. Both King Charles and Kate Middleton are navigating their own health battles after being diagnosed with cancer. Amidst these difficulties, Kate still made time to post a touching tribute to her husband on Instagram.
Sharing a joyful photo of William playing with puppies, the Princess of Wales wrote: “Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!” The lighthearted post offered a glimpse into the warmth and support within their immediate family.
Royal Family Still Hesitant About Rebuilding Trust
Despite Harry’s apparent openness to repair the family dynamic, sources suggest trust remains the central issue preventing any progress. One royal insider told Page Six, “I genuinely think nobody trusts him and that’s the bottom line. The royal family has major trust issues with him, and that’s what’s at the heart of everything.”
The same source elaborated, “They don’t trust him and Meghan, and that’s why they can’t have a relationship. Maybe there’s room to forgive, but they won’t forget. Forgiveness and trust are two different things.”
Reconciliation May Still Be Years Away
While William’s new mindset may mark a step toward emotional closure, full reconciliation between the brothers remains uncertain. Some royal commentators believe healing the wounds will take time—possibly years—especially given the depth of the issues and the damage caused by public revelations.
For now, it appears that Prince William is choosing peace of mind over past conflict, focusing on his family, his duties, and finding emotional clarity in the midst of challenging times.