Prince William and Prince Harry are not known to have spoken since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, and royal expert Jennie Bond has predicted that any potential reunion would be a "drama." According to Bond, William felt "betrayed" after Harry revealed what have been described as "family secrets" in his memoir Spare.
Memorial events and lingering tension
Several memorial events are planned for next year to mark the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana's death, which is expected to be a profoundly emotional period for her two sons. However, there has been no indication whether the brothers will come together to honour their mother or continue their bitter estrangement.
The Princes previously united to unveil a statue of Diana in Kensington Palace's Sunken Garden in 2021, on what would have been her 60th birthday. Tensions between the brothers have escalated since then.
Expert's view on William's anger
Writing in the i newspaper, former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond said that while much of Harry's youthful fury has faded, "the anger smouldering inside William – who is known to be stubborn – could be much harder to extinguish."
There has been a thawing of relations between Harry and his father. Harry met with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove in Gloucestershire in July, and there are reportedly plans for him to return to the UK "more and more" over the coming year.
Harry's UK visits and family dynamics
Harry is expected to fly back from the US in September to fulfil engagements during the annual WellChild Awards, a charity for which he has been a royal patron since 2007. A source close to the prince told The Times that he "wants more of a foothold" in the UK, adding that he "always loves" to see his family.
Harry was reportedly feeling "buoyed, very happy, and really energised" following the Highgrove reunion. While Harry, Meghan, and their children met with the King and Queen, William and Kate were nearly 90 miles away at a charity polo match in Windsor.
Bond told the Mirror: "William, as far as we can see, seems set on concentrating on his own family and his work without the angst of dealing with his rift with Harry. But, if Harry does start to come to the UK more often and to see their father, it's going to become increasingly hard for William to ignore the situation."
She added that Catherine could potentially act as peacemaker, but only if she is satisfied that it is something William wants. "At this stage, there is absolutely no indication that this is the case. However, circumstances and feelings can change with time and so, as I always say, 'never say never'."
Harry is hopeful of a public reunion with his father at next year's Invictus Games, which many feel could place the King in an increasingly awkward position regarding his still-feuding sons.
