Prince William and King Charles are “completely united” on Prince Harry never representing the Royal Family, an expert has claimed.
Harry, 42, and his wife Meghan Markle, 45, made a return to the UK on August 26, just a week after announcing their plans to move back with children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from life as working royals when they moved to California in 2020, tensions between the pair and the rest of the Royal Family have been fraught. While Prince Harry appears to be repairing the bridge with his father, there has been no direct communication with his brother.
Royal expert says father and son are in sync
Royal author Russell Myers told PEOPLE that King Charles, 77, and Prince William, 44, are still on the same page about one thing when it comes to Prince Harry.
“The King and William are completely united on the Sussexes not representing the royal family,” said Myers. “It’s without a doubt how in sync they are on this matter.”
He added: “William’s view is clear – any relationship his father has with Harry or the Sussexes as a family is entirely up to him. But looking toward the future, he will have no relationship with them, in a working or private capacity whatsoever.”
Letter confirms non-working status
On September 7, a letter was issued on behalf of King Charles confirming that Harry and Meghan continue to be non-working members of the royal family. This guidance, which echoes the terms set when the couple stepped back from their duties as working royals in 2020, was issued following a “number of requests” for clarity about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's status after their return to the UK.
Royal author Simon Vigar suggests that William and Kate Middleton are adhering to a time-honoured royal mantra: “It is keep calm and carry on. They see it as a sideshow and ancient history.”
Wales family focused on duties
The Prince and Princess of Wales have remained focused on their family and royal duties. So far in September, they've seen their eldest child, Prince George, off to start his first year at Eton College, and have attended several royal engagements, including a joint appearance in support of one of William's mental health initiatives on World Suicide Prevention Day.
“They are shining a light on things that are important to them,” said Ailsa Anderson, the late Queen Elizabeth's press secretary. “What they don't want is all this other noise becoming a distraction.”
“It will be incredibly draining,” adds royal historian Amanda Foreman. “They will always have to look over their shoulders and factor them in. And all they can do is deflect. Yet, they'll get lots of jabs and questions: 'When are you going to make up with your brother?'”
