Prince William reportedly wishes to exclude Prince Harry from his future coronation, according to a Sunday Times article published on August 17, 2024. This revelation comes as part of the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the royal family, marking Harry’s 40th birthday next month. The Duke of Cambridge, now 42, is said to be keen on making his crowning—scheduled to occur following the death of his father, King Charles III, who is 75—distinct from traditional ceremonies. One way William might achieve this is by ensuring that Harry, 39, is not present.
The relationship between William and Harry has deteriorated significantly over the past few years. The brothers have not communicated for nearly two years, and their estrangement has become a focal point in royal discussions. Sources close to the situation have reported that the current estrangement is deeply regrettable but also acknowledge its reality. “They are estranged, which is dreadfully sad,” one close friend of the brothers remarked.
Harry’s decision to step away from royal duties in early 2020 and relocate to California has significantly impacted his relationships with his family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have publicly aired their grievances through various media outlets, including their high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, their Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” and Harry’s memoir “Spare.” These revelations have reportedly exacerbated tensions within the royal family.
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The fallout from Harry’s candidness has strained his relationship with both his brother and his father. The King, who ascended the throne following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, faces challenges in reconciling with Harry. Concerns have been raised that any further interaction with Harry could lead to additional negative disclosures. “The problem for the King and other members of the family is the worry that if they have a chat with Harry, it will appear in ‘Spare’ volume two,” said one of Charles’ friends. “How do you regain the trust? I don’t think Harry ever can.”
Despite the tensions, Charles is reportedly still open to the possibility of reconciliation. A friend of the King suggested that, while the relationship with Harry is fraught, it is not beyond repair. “But from the conversations I’ve had with the King, I would never say their relationship is irreparable,” the friend noted. “The King’s capacity to forgive his son is undimmed. There are other members of the royal family who are much more weighted against Harry, that’s the problem.”
In contrast, some of Harry’s closest friends have expressed strong disapproval of his actions. One friend criticized Harry for his perceived disloyalty, stating, “I can’t believe he’d stoop so low. It’s outrageously disloyal. Oprah, Netflix, and then the book? Three strikes and you’re out.” This sentiment reflects a broader sense of betrayal felt by those who are close to the Duke of Sussex.
A former aide to Harry has observed that since leaving the UK and experiencing a fallout with his family, Harry seems to lack a clear sense of purpose. “He loved the army and was very good at his job. The work with Invictus is great and fatherhood was the role he most wanted, so perhaps those are enough for him,” the aide explained. “But everything else is a bit woolly. I always thought he wanted more from life. I can’t help but think he must be wondering, ‘Where do I go from here?’”
In a recent interview, Harry addressed his strained family relationships, attributing part of the conflict to the royal family’s handling of press coverage. “I think that’s certainly a central piece to it,” he said during an ITV interview with Rebecca Barry. Harry also criticized the media’s role in exacerbating family tensions, noting, “But that’s a hard question to answer, because anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press.”
The tensions between Harry and the royal family have been compounded by other issues, including Meghan Markle’s claims during their Oprah interview about the royal family’s concerns regarding their son Archie’s skin color. Harry supported these claims, describing the conversations as “awkward” and “shocking.”
In his memoir, “Spare,” Harry also criticized Queen Consort Camilla, accusing her of manipulating the press against him. He described William as both a “beloved brother” and an “arch nemesis,” detailing their past conflicts. These revelations have only intensified the public and private scrutiny surrounding the Duke of Sussex and his place within the royal family.
As the situation continues to evolve, the future of Harry’s relationship with his family and his potential role in significant royal events, such as William’s coronation, remains uncertain.