Prince William is reportedly taking a firm stance against Prince Harry as the younger brother attempts to settle in the UK, and he is apparently doing so through his father, King Charles III.
Harry returned to the UK with Meghan Markle and their two children in August, and their time there has already been marked by drama. They pulled their children out of school after only a few days due to security concerns, while the King's recent statement about their standing as private citizens reportedly caused upset among the Sussexes.
William's influence on the King's statement
Sources have suggested that Prince William has been encouraging his father to take a firm stance with Harry and Meghan. It comes after much speculation about the couple's relationship with the Royal Family and whether they would return in any official capacity. However, the King's statement was seen by many as the final word on the situation, while others have viewed it as a warning to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to stick within the rules.
A source told Closer that William had some influence over the King's statement and that he has more plans to keep Harry and Meghan at a distance, believing that the King letting them closer would be a "colossal mistake".
Push to strip titles
"William was very instrumental in getting that letter out," the source said. "He's taking it as a big win, and it's given him hope that his father might finally be seeing this more clearly."
"William is not going to stop pushing until the King agrees to take away their titles. He hates that he has to constantly raise the issue with his father; it's caused a lot of strife between them, but if it means protecting the monarchy and protecting his father from making a colossal mistake, it's worth it to William."
Determination and past precedent
The source continued, saying that William is determined when he wants something done his way. "When he's got something in his sights, he won't give up," they added.
"Just look at the way he handled the issue with Andrew. For years, he was telling Charles he needed to take his titles and get tough, and it was a very long uphill battle, but William eventually got his way. He's taking the same attitude here. He plans to work on his father every day if needed."
It is understood that William and Harry have not seen each other since the latter's UK return. Some sources have suggested that William is flat out refusing a reunion, while others have said that the future King might feel he has no choice but to meet up with the Sussexes to lay some ground rules.
