Prince William has been warned he cannot avoid the renewed attention surrounding Prince Harry's return to the UK, despite reportedly trying to put his brother out of his mind. The Duke of Sussex is expected to arrive in Britain in the coming days for a rare solo visit to mark the official one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. It is now understood Harry will be visiting London alone, without Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Expert Says William Cannot Ignore Harry's Visit
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes William has deliberately focused on his own family and royal duties rather than dwelling on the fallout with his younger brother, but says Harry's latest visit has inevitably brought the issue back into the spotlight. 'I think William has worked hard at simply putting Harry out of his mind so that he can focus on his family and his job,' Bond told the Mirror. 'But now, with all the headlines and speculation about the visit, he can't really avoid it. It's the school holidays, so William and the family can presumably take refuge somewhere away from all the hullabaloo.'
Relationship at Its Worst
According to the Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers, the relationship between William and Harry is 'the worst it has ever been', with the Prince of Wales said to remain deeply hurt by the allegations Harry has made against the Royal Family in recent years. The trip has fuelled fresh speculation over whether Harry could meet with King Charles as the Duke continues efforts to repair his relationship with his father following years of estrangement. However, a reunion with Prince William is widely considered unlikely amid continuing tensions between the brothers.
Trust Remains Major Obstacle
Bond said she does not expect the brothers to meet during Harry's visit, but suggested any reunion between the Duke and King Charles could eventually help pave the way for reconciliation within the wider family. 'I think it's still too early to anticipate any sort of meeting between the brothers,' she said. 'But if the visit does go ahead and the children meet the King, it could conceivably be the start of a thaw in the ice between William and Harry. But I wouldn't take any bets on it.' She added that trust remains the biggest obstacle to repairing the relationship, saying: 'Trust is still a major issue for William, who is a very private man. He is also a very protective, loving husband who was enraged by the insults and allegations hurled at Catherine by the Sussexes. I'm not sure he will ever find a way to forgive his brother for that.'
Sympathy Over Security
Bond also believes William may sympathise with Harry over the long-running dispute surrounding his security arrangements, despite their fractured relationship. 'William must surely have been paying attention to the row over Harry's security. He could hardly avoid it,' she said. 'I would have thought it was one area in which he might have a measure of sympathy for his brother. He knows just how important it is to protect your family.' She added: 'Like me, he might wonder why the decision has been taken not to give Harry and his family security for this very short period of time. But, obviously, this is a decision which he cannot and would not get involved in.'
King Charles Wants Reconciliation
Looking further ahead, Bond believes King Charles would welcome any opportunity for his sons to heal their relationship, although she said the decision ultimately rests with William. 'There's absolutely no doubt that the King would love his sons to mend their rift,' she said. 'Remember how Harry claimed his father had pleaded with them not to make his final years a misery? I think Catherine is by nature a peacemaker, but she knows, too, that William can be incredibly stubborn.' She concluded: 'In the end, it will be up to William to decide whether he wants to patch things up with his brother. I suppose it could start with the odd text or birthday card one day. But, as I have said, trust is the important factor here. And, as yet, I do not think that William trusts Harry or Meghan.'
