The Prince of Wales is reportedly 'appalled' by the Duke of Sussex's looming return to the UK next month for the Invictus Games' One Year to Go event, according to investigative biographer Tom Bower. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Express, Bower claimed that Prince William will be 'absolutely shocked and appalled' by the development, which has seen King Charles reportedly offer the Sussexes a royal residence and private security for their visit.
William's Anger Over Royal Residences and Security
Bower drew parallels to William's reaction to Prince Andrew's continued presence within the Royal Family, noting that after the Duchess of Kent's funeral, William was 'incandescent' and immediately flew to Balmoral to confront the King. 'Well, very soon after that, the King stripped Andrew of his titles and of his home and everything,' Bower said. He suggested a similar scenario could unfold with Harry: 'My sense is that the same could well happen with Harry, that if in any way the King gives way to Harry's demands, William will tell him in no uncertain terms that it's unacceptable.'
Bower added that King Charles is unlikely to want an argument with William, and if forced to choose between his sons, 'the choice will be on William's side.'
Brothers' Feud Shows No Sign of Thawing
It has been widely reported that King Charles will meet with Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who are expected to visit the UK for the first time since June 2022. However, Palace sources indicate that William is not expected to meet his brother during the fleeting July visit. The two brothers have not been on speaking terms for several years, with details of their rift laid bare in Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare.
Earlier this year, the book William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story by Daily Mirror Royal Editor Russell Myers shed new light on the feud. Myers wrote that Harry's concerns about royal protection were exacerbated when Meghan 'became a target on social media owing to her biracial heritage' early in their relationship. Harry was told there would be no official Palace intervention, and 'Prince Charles’s decision was final, though, and William’s subsequent unwillingness to help sparked a row that ignited a long-running and ugly feud.'
Harry's Unilateral Statement Deepened Rift
Further damage occurred when Harry issued a brash statement condemning online coverage of Meghan without consulting his father or brother. Myers explained: 'Harry’s reaction was furious and swift. Without consulting his father or brother, as the hierarchy would normally dictate, he instructed the Kensington Palace communications team to respond at once - highlighting “a wave of abuse and harassment … the racial undertones of comment pieces.”' The media's tone may have dampened, but interest in their relationship did not. Harry was infuriated that his father and brother admonished him for his rash actions, and the tense conversations left Harry astounded that his own kin were refusing to offer their support. 'This period did indeed mark an outward shift in their relations. Suddenly it was harder to get them in the same room, each giving various excuses as to why they could not – or perhaps would not – be available to engage with meetings together.'
