Prince William has reportedly dismissed Prince Harry's account of a physical altercation between the brothers as a "cheap shot", as Harry and Meghan Markle return to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit the UK and their roles as senior working royals six years ago, relocating to Montecito, California, in 2020 to become financially independent. They took part in high-profile interviews, including a conversation with Oprah Winfrey, released a Netflix series, and Harry published his memoir, Spare, containing accusations about the royal family.
Sussexes return to Britain
Harry and Meghan have now decided to return to Britain, living in a private, non-royal home outside London, with their children set to attend British schools. Harry is believed to have partially restored his relationship with his father, King Charles, during earlier visits, but tensions between the two brothers are not thought to have thawed.
William and Charles are said to be in "complete agreement" that Harry cannot have a 'half in, half out' role within the royal family and will not resume royal duties. Friends of William and Kate say they "cannot forgive" the Sussexes for their accusations but are determined to "look forward to the future".
Altercation claims dismissed
In Spare, Harry claimed William came to his former home at Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace over claims that Meghan had been "abrasive" and "difficult" to staff. Harry says William grabbed him by the collar, knocked him to the floor, ripped his necklace, and caused a dog bowl to crack under his back.
William has never responded to the claims, but in William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, Mirror royal editor Russell Myers quotes an insider describing the claims as "massively overblown". Sources close to the Prince of Wales say Harry's account was a "cheap shot".
One source says: "It was a cheap shot [from Harry] to present such an argument. Tensions were running very high, and yes, there certainly were cross words exchanged that on reflection were regrettable, but the prince [William] is adamant there was no physical violence."
Kate's role in the feud
The book also explains William was "deeply saddened" by Harry's departure, while Kate realised she "could do no more to bring the brothers together" - despite previously being a "voice of reason" - and felt Harry quitting the Firm and the UK was "inevitable".
