Prince William's Friendship with ITV Star Ended Over Sussex Documentary
A new biography has unveiled a dramatic fallout between Prince William and ITV News anchor Tom Bradby, stemming from a documentary featuring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The book, William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story by royal editor Russell Myers, details how William felt "betrayed and severely let down" by Bradby's involvement in the 2019 project during the Sussexes' South Africa tour.
The Documentary That Sparked the Rift
In the documentary, Harry publicly addressed the rift with his brother for the first time, stating they were on "different paths" and had "good days" and "bad days." Meghan discussed her struggles with motherhood under intense media scrutiny, noting few had asked if she was okay. William perceived Bradby as having "crossed a line" by participating, feeling the journalist took Harry's side without challenging the couple's claims.
According to sources in the biography, William and Bradby had grown close during Bradby's time as a royal correspondent. However, after filming, when Bradby contacted William to express concern for Harry's wellbeing, William reacted with fury. A source explained, "William felt betrayed... He considered Tom a friend, but never thought he would take a side like he did."
Key Points of Contention
The biography highlights several factors that led to the friendship's end:
- William believed Bradby failed to question Harry or Meghan about internal royal family dynamics, despite knowing accusations against Meghan.
- Sources claim most of the family had ensured Meghan was welcomed, but Bradby did not address this in the documentary.
- William felt Bradby allowed Meghan to "run roughshod over the family," making the friendship irreparable.
The source added, "As far as [William] was concerned, the friendship was over there and then." This incident marked a turning point in the brothers' relationship, exacerbating existing tensions.
Princess Kate's Perspective on the Sussex Exit
The biography also reveals Princess Catherine's stance on Harry and Meghan's departure from royal life. Unlike William, who reportedly tried to prevent their exit, Kate believed it was "inevitable" that Harry would quit his role. She eventually realized she "could do no more to bring the brothers together," despite previously acting as a "voice of reason" during their relationship's disintegration.
Further Revelations from the Biography
In addition to the Bradby fallout, the book discloses other insights:
- William wanted Prince Andrew banished from royal life immediately after his 2019 BBC Newsnight interview.
- It provides context on how William and Kate handled the Sussexes' departure and Kate's shock cancer diagnosis.
- The biography traces the couple's life from meeting at St Andrews University to shaping a modern monarchy amid turmoil.
William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, published by Ebury, Penguin Random House, is available for pre-order ahead of its release on February 26. The serialisation in The Mirror offers a glimpse into the private dynamics of the royal family during a period of significant change.
