Lip Reader Alleges Royal Brothers Argued Before Joint Public Appearance
A new documentary has made a startling claim about the dynamics between Princes William and Harry during their first public appearance together since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties. According to a professional lip reader, the brothers engaged in a brief but tense argument just moments before their joint walkabout at Windsor Castle in September 2022, merely one day after Queen Elizabeth II's passing.
The Tense Moments Before the Walk
Speaking on the Channel 5 programme Lip-Reading The Royals: What Are They Really Saying?, which airs this Saturday at 8.15pm, expert Nicola Hickling analysed the footage of the four royals preparing to inspect floral tributes. Hickling observed that as they began moving towards the gates, Prince William appeared to turn to Kate Middleton and say 'let's move'. Shortly afterwards, Prince Harry touched his brother on the shoulder, prompting William to reportedly respond with 'Why are we together? This is not the end.'
Meghan Markle then interjected with 'not today', according to the lip reader's interpretation. Hickling suggested the Duchess could sense the mounting tension between the brothers. Harry then allegedly replied 'Not now please, I didn't foresee this', a possible indication that he was unaware the engagement would be a joint appearance. Kate Middleton then reportedly urged them to 'Stop arguing'.
Palace Decisions and Family Dynamics
Grant Howard, a former royal butler featured in the documentary, commented on the situation. 'That would have been a Palace decision, I think, for them to be seen together and obviously the brothers had to agree to this,' he explained. 'It would have been a very difficult decision for them because suddenly they're having to act and to put the best foot forward, and pretend everything's great again.'
Howard noted that prior to the Queen's death, Harry and Meghan had 'very much become outcasts' with relations at an all-time low. 'When I watched the clip originally, I thought "oh that's quite nice, they're all together..." So now hearing the lip readers view on it... it obviously changes the dynamic of the situation because the reality is they were having an argument.'
Observations During the Walkabout
Nicola Hickling continued her analysis, noting a shift in William's demeanour once they reached the floral tributes. 'I can sense a change in William,' she said. 'Like he's put on a front at this point, and he says to Catherine, "look at all the flowers".' Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry remained close together, with the Duchess reportedly telling her husband 'Don't let go', to which Harry allegedly replied 'I got you'.
Royal commentator Ingrid Seward shared her perspective on the situation. 'We were all very surprised to see them together,' she remarked. 'William must have meant, this is not the end of our argument, this is not the end of our differences - and I think they were probably on very awkward terms.'
Expert Analysis of the Brothers' Relationship
Former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter observed clear 'anger and frustration' from William's side, suggesting the Prince of Wales likely felt 'it wasn't the right moment and it wasn't the right time' for the joint appearance. Actress Nina Wadia, also featured in the documentary, reflected on the broader family dynamic. 'It's very hard for brothers in very different places,' she said. 'And then publicly the only opportunity to talk... because they're probably not talking behind the scenes... who knows. It is such a sad situation.'
The documentary Lip-Reading The Royals: What Are They Really Saying? promises to offer further insights into royal interactions when it airs on Channel 5 this Saturday at 8.15pm, providing a unique perspective on what might have been said during one of the most scrutinised royal appearances in recent memory.
