Prince William has reportedly drawn a line in the sand with his brother Prince Harry following the publication of the explosive memoir Spare, with royal commentators claiming the Prince of Wales is increasingly frustrated that King Charles has not publicly supported him in the family feud.
The memoir, published in January 2023, detailed an alleged physical confrontation between the brothers at Nottingham Cottage in 2019 over Meghan Markle. It sold 1.43 million copies across the UK, the US and Canada on its first day, making it the fastest-selling non-fiction title on record, according to publisher Penguin Random House.
Royal author Christopher Andersen said William remains disappointed that his father has not defended him publicly. According to Andersen, William accepts that he and Catherine, Princess of Wales, represent the future of the monarchy, but believes the King should be building a stronger legacy rather than becoming distracted by personal family matters.
Growing rift over reconciliation approach
Royal commentators say the disagreement reflects a wider difference in philosophy, with Charles favouring reconciliation while William believes firm boundaries are essential to protect the Crown. That contrast came into sharper focus on July 10, when King Charles privately welcomed Prince Harry, Meghan, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to Highgrove House.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the family gathering, which marked the first reunion in years and coincided with Harry's visit to Britain for the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. Reports also claimed William and Catherine were not told in advance that the meeting was taking place.
Royal commentators weigh in
Royal broadcaster Helena Chard said Charles is 'reigning' while William and Catherine are 'planning', adding that their planning is beginning to resemble leadership. Royal biographer Hugo Vickers suggested William's firm style has caused tension with his father, arguing the Prince of Wales believed 'he knew best'. Others, however, see his stance as a necessary effort to protect the institution.
Ian Pelham Turner claimed the King's recent attempts to rebuild relations represent a direct departure from William's reported wish to cut contact completely. According to Turner, William believes Charles has not dealt with the fallout from Spare with enough firmness.
Future meetings and ongoing tensions
The issue is likely to be tested again in September when Harry is expected to return to Britain for the WellChild Awards. Reports have suggested the King intends to offer the Duke of Sussex accommodation at Buckingham Palace. Harry declined to stay at a royal residence during his July visit following a disagreement over the timing of an earlier offer, but commentators claim Charles remains determined to leave the door open.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have publicly aired their grievances through high-profile television interviews and a Netflix documentary series. During an interview in May 2025, Harry also expressed a desire to repair relations, saying there was 'no point in carrying on the struggle'.
King Charles, 77, has continued undertaking official duties while receiving treatment for cancer since February 2024 and is widely reported to be keen to heal the family divide. IBTimes UK said it could not independently verify the claims made by royal commentators, while Buckingham Palace has not publicly commented on the reported family dynamics.
Whether Charles can balance reconciliation with protecting the institution remains one of the biggest unanswered questions facing the Royal Family.
