An aide to King Charles III has vowed to heal the rift between Princes William and Harry, according to reports. Theo Rycroft, a former diplomat appointed as the King's private secretary in December 2024, is said to believe the situation has become 'f*****g ridiculous' and aims to reunite the estranged brothers.
A source told the Mail that Rycroft 'thinks it's time to knock their heads together' and understands the feud causes 'great pain' to the King. 'He sees his job as helping the King resolve it,' the source added. The brothers have not spoken since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
Rycroft, previously a diplomat at the British Embassy in Paris, is described as a calm and shrewd operator within the Palace. He is reported to be close to William, having worked with him on high-profile engagements including meeting Donald Trump during the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace were reportedly pleased with Rycroft's handling of diplomatic challenges during the King and Queen's state visit to the US last month. 'Theo believes that Harry and William need to be forced to shake hands and allow Charles to repair his relationship with Harry,' the source said.
Whether Rycroft can persuade the feuding brothers remains unclear. There are suggestions the King may meet with Harry when he visits the UK next year for the Invictus Games in Birmingham. The source said Rycroft would not be among aides wishing to block such a meeting, adding that 'after the US visit he is the most respected man in the building right now'.
William is alleged to have banned any mention of Harry following his memoir 'Spare' and the fallout from the Sussexes' departure from royal life. During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry and Meghan Markle accused an unnamed royal of racism.
