Prince William was reportedly angered by Harry and Meghan's reaction to the Queen's ban on using the word 'royal' in their future projects, viewing it as 'insulting and disrespectful,' according to sources. The Duke of Cambridge, 38, considered the launch of the 'Sussex Royal' website as a blueprint for the couple's rebrand as part-time royals pursuing commercial ventures, as reported by the Sunday Times.
The Queen later ordered the couple not to use the word 'royal' in their future endeavours. In response, Harry and Meghan issued a statement claiming that while the monarchy had no jurisdiction over the use of 'royal' overseas, they did not intend to use 'Sussex Royal' or the word 'royal' in their branding.
A senior royal source told the Sunday Times: 'That was it for William, he felt they’d blindsided the Queen in such an insulting and disrespectful way.' Harry denied this in his Oprah interview, stating he had too much respect for his grandmother to blindside her.
William was left 'reeling' by the claims made in the Oprah interview, with friends saying the drama is 'still raw' and the future king's head 'is all over the place.' Despite missing Harry, the brothers did not part as friends after the Sandringham Summit, and Harry confirmed they are on 'different paths.'
A former Palace aide remarked: 'Once he got over the anger of how things happened, he was left with the absence of his brother.' A close friend added that William feels the pressure is 'all on him' now, but remains intent on healing the relationship in time.
The brothers are expected to reunite in July for the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, at Kensington Palace on what would have been her 60th birthday.
