Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who served as principal private secretary to both Prince William and Prince Harry from 2005 to 2013, has offered a cautious but hopeful view on the possibility of healing the brothers' bitter rift. In an interview with The Times, the former SAS man and close aide to the princes was asked whether he could ever see them burying the hatchet. He replied: “Do you know what? I think I’d better steer clear of that Harry issue.” He added: “What I would say is that I was and am very fond of him. He has huge redeeming features and I’m a perennial optimist.”
Lowther-Pinkerton's Role and Bond with the Princes
Lowther-Pinkerton served as the princes' principal private secretary from 2005 to 2013, after previously working as an equerry for the late Queen and Queen Mother. His role involved guiding the young princes through their military careers, and he formed a close bond with both. William named him as one of Prince George's six godparents, and Lowther-Pinkerton was involved with Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Harry in honour of Princess Diana.
Contrasting Personalities: 'Lion King' vs 'Mischievous Cub'
In the interview, Lowther-Pinkerton described the differences he observed between the brothers, likening William to the 'Lion King' and Harry to a 'mischievous cub'. He said: “I loved them both.” His comments come amid reports that the brothers have not spoken since the death of their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, nearly four years ago.
Upcoming UK Visit and Potential Meetings
Harry and his wife Meghan are expected to visit the UK next month, and sources suggest they have been offered accommodation at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to align with their schedule during the week of their visit. They have yet to accept the invitation. The couple's children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, last saw their grandfather King Charles in person during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Meghan has not been in the UK since the late Queen's funeral, apart from airport transfers.
It remains unclear whether Harry and Meghan, or Harry alone, plans to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales. Sources have described the relationship between the brothers as “rock bottom”. One palace insider said: “The Prince and Princess of Wales remain deeply hurt by Harry and Meghan’s comments since leaving their royal duties that they were abandoned and mistreated when part of the royal family.”
Past Accusations and Fallout
Harry and Meghan accused the royal family of racism during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in April 2021. Harry also used his memoir Spare to criticise family members, including referring to the King as an “old man”, labelling Queen Camilla a “wicked stepmother”, and accusing William of assaulting him. Sources close to William have vehemently denied that any violent altercation took place.
Meghan, 44, is expected to join Harry on stage at the Invictus Games event in Birmingham on July 10. Harry also has several other engagements planned with charities in the UK during that week.
