Royal author Omid Scobie has provided a stark update on the ongoing feud between Prince Harry and Prince William, revealing that their relationship has shown no signs of improvement in recent years. According to Scobie, the bond between the two brothers has remained completely stagnant, with the Duke of Sussex still awaiting accountability and reconciliation from the Prince of Wales.
The Stagnant State of Royal Relations
Scobie, who has extensively documented the Royal Family in books like Finding Freedom and Endgame, told People magazine that "nothing has changed" in the princes' relationship over the past three years. He emphasized that Harry's expectations and desires for mending their fractured bond remain exactly as they were in 2023, with none of them being met by William.
A Six-Year Estrangement
The rift between William and Harry first began to develop when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were still working members of the Royal Family. However, the situation deteriorated significantly when Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties and began publicly discussing their grievances with the institution. This led to what Scobie describes as a complete estrangement that has now lasted for six years.
Despite this fractured relationship, Scobie revealed that Harry has made "repeated attempts" to reach out to his brother both directly and through mutual friends. These efforts have included contacting individuals both princes consider important in their lives, yet they have failed to produce any meaningful dialogue or reconciliation.
Contrasting Relationships Within the Family
While Scobie has observed "some moments of warmth" between Prince Harry and his father, King Charles, in recent years, he noted that this positive development has not extended to the relationship with William. "That hasn't happened with William," Scobie stated, highlighting the distinct difference in how Harry interacts with different family members.
William's Alleged Avoidance
The royal author believes that Prince William has completely avoided addressing the matter of his brother for several years, making no moves to mend the bridges between them. Scobie suggested that "the ball has been in William's court for some time now," and that the future king has chosen not just to decline reconciliation but to actively distance himself further.
Scobie expressed particular concern about what this situation reveals about William's capabilities as a future monarch. "As a future king, you would think that one of the things he should be able to navigate easily is family," Scobie remarked. He questioned how William could effectively lead the Royal Family and the Church of England if he cannot resolve a fracture with his own brother.
The Impact of Harry's Memoir
The Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers has provided additional context in his new biography, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story. According to Myers, Prince William felt "incredibly betrayed" when Harry released his tell-all memoir Spare in 2023. A source close to William revealed that the book reinforced his view that Harry was not to be trusted.
Myers' source explained that William was "incredibly let down and immensely sad" by the memoir's publication. However, this experience reportedly made the Prince of Wales more determined to focus on his immediate family and father, while viewing engagement with Harry as outside his priorities.
Long-Term Implications
Scobie warned that William's approach to the family rift could have significant implications for his future reign. "If he's unable to mend a fracture with his brother, I think that also says something about him as a future monarch that may not work in his favour," the royal author cautioned. This ongoing estrangement between the royal brothers continues to cast a shadow over the monarchy's public image and internal dynamics.
