Prince William and Prince Harry were only a short drive apart in London on Monday, yet the growing rift between them meant no reunion took place.
Once inseparable, the brothers marked Queen Elizabeth II’s death anniversary in very different ways, underscoring how far they’ve drifted apart.
William Shares Family Stories at Memorial Event
The Prince of Wales, joined by Princess Catherine, attended a gathering with the Federation of Women’s Institute in Sunningdale, Berkshire, where he honored the late Queen. In a lighthearted moment, William opened up about his youngest son, Prince Louis.
When asked if Louis was “a handful,” William laughed and admitted, “He is… To be honest, he’s a character. But he’s a very good boy.”
The heir to the throne went on to explain that Louis “likes to wind his brother and sister up,” adding that while Prince George “knows how to behave,” his cheeky youngest hasn’t quite learned that lesson yet.
Harry Pays Tribute at Windsor and Attends WellChild Awards
Meanwhile, just 41 kilometers away, Prince Harry flew in from California and privately laid a wreath and flowers at Queen Elizabeth’s grave in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. It marked his first visit back to the U.K. in five months.
The Duke of Sussex, traveling without Meghan Markle and their children Archie and Lilibet, was in London to attend the annual WellChild Awards, an event he has long supported.
There, Harry joined in games with children, even having a playful balloon sword fight with a young girl named Gwen, who surprised him with Brighton Hove & Albion football shirts personalized for Archie and Lilibet. Dressed in a navy suit and tie, he smiled and joked with attendees, celebrating children and families facing serious illness.
Packed Schedule Leaves No Time for Reconciliation
Harry’s four-day itinerary includes a stop in Nottingham on Tuesday to support young people affected by violence, followed by private events with the Invictus Foundation, the Diana Award, and Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which helps bereaved military children.
With his schedule full, hopes for a meeting with his father, King Charles, have faded. The two reportedly haven’t agreed on a time, and William is said to strongly oppose the idea.
“Ultimately, William is a loyal soldier… But he thinks a Harry meeting is a terrible, terrible idea,” a friend of the future King told the Daily Beast.
Distance Remains Between Father and Son
Harry last saw his father in February 2023 for a brief 30-minute visit after Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis. This time, however, no reunion is expected.
Instead, the Duke of Sussex is staying at a London hotel, paying for his own accommodations and security, before returning to California at the end of the week.