Princess Diana, Princess of Wales, made it a priority to raise her sons Prince William and Prince Harry without favoritism, hoping to prevent the complications that have since strained their relationship, according to former royal butler Paul Burrell. Speaking on behalf of Casino.org, Burrell revealed that Diana saw "no difference between them in her eyes," even as royal household members treated them differently due to William's future role as king.
Diana's Struggle to Keep the Family United
Burrell explained that Diana "struggled with the divorce" from Prince Charles and "didn't want it." She wanted to stay in the Royal Family, and her struggle was "keeping her boys safe and keeping her position." Bringing them up in a "solid family unit" was a priority, Burrell said, adding: "That's why she resisted the divorce, because she thought that fracture in the family would lead to problems and complications for her boys."
The Brothers' Strained Relationship Today
William, now 44, and Harry, 41, are known to have had a strained relationship for several years, with tensions escalating after Harry stepped down as a working royal in 2020. It is now unknown when the brothers last spoke. Harry is set to return to the UK next month, but a reunion with his older brother is considered unlikely. At the time of Diana's death in August 1997, William was 15 and Harry was 12.
Honoring Their Mother's Memory
Both William and Harry have often spoken fondly of their late mother and have honored her by using her name as a middle name for their daughters: Princess Charlotte and Princess Lilibet. Despite their current rift, Burrell's comments highlight Diana's enduring wish for her sons to maintain a close bond.
