Prince Harry and Prince William were just 12 miles apart on separate engagements in London on Tuesday, July 7, as the stalemate between the brothers continues. The estranged siblings have not met in person since August 2024, and the last time they are believed to have spoken was in 2022.
Harry's Invictus Games Countdown
Harry is currently in the UK to mark the official one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games. He attended the 14th Invictus Games Foundation Conversation: From Policy to Practice at Chatham House in London on Tuesday. This was the first official event of his return.
Meanwhile, William was at The London Welsh School in Hanwell, West London, just 12 miles away, at the same time. The Prince of Wales met teachers and students as he wished Team Wales well ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
No Meeting Expected
According to People, the brothers are not expected to meet during Harry's ongoing visit. Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, remain in the US due to security concerns.
Harry and William last met physically at the memorial service for their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, at St Mary's Church in Norfolk in August 2024. Insiders confirmed they sat apart and did not speak. Likewise, both brothers attended King Charles III's coronation in May 2023 but sat several rows apart. Harry returned to California immediately after the ceremony without speaking with William.
They are believed to have last spoken at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. They walked side-by-side in the procession, but lip-readers only noted a brief exchange between the brothers.
Strained Relationship
Their relationship remains strained for several reasons, including William's anger at Harry's decision to publicly air private family grievances. In the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan revealed that during her pregnancy with Archie, an unnamed member of the Royal Family raised "concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he's born."
William also expressed concerns that Harry's relationship with Meghan was moving too quickly before they married in 2018. The pair officially stepped back from royal duties before moving to the US in 2020.
Harry's Solo UK Visit
Harry is now back in the UK for a solo visit dedicated to supporting his charities and launching the countdown to next year's Invictus Games. He arrived without his family on Monday, July 6, amid ongoing security concerns.
As well as visiting Chatham House, the Duke of Sussex is also set to visit Chelsea Pensioners, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and attend Scotty's Summer Festival at Maxstoke Castle. He is also expected to travel to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham on Friday, July 10.
