As Prince William marks his 41st birthday, royal experts suggest the celebration is tinged with sadness due to his strained relationship with Prince Harry. The release of Harry's memoir, "Spare," earlier this year further exacerbated the tension between the brothers, once inseparable after the loss of their mother, Princess Diana.
Harry's book details his struggles within the royal family, highlighting a long-standing rivalry with William and his feelings of being a royal "spare." The memoir also recounts an alleged physical altercation between the brothers, adding fuel to the fire. While William has maintained a public composure, insiders suggest underlying resentment over "Megxit" and Harry's portrayal of him in the book.
Prince William, the Prince of Wales (Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Prince Harry (right) alleged in his memoir that Prince William (left) called Meghan Markle (center) "difficult," "rude," and "abrasive." (Eddie Mulholland/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in their Netflix docuseries (Netflix)
The brothers' relationship reportedly fractured after William advised Harry to proceed cautiously with his relationship with Meghan Markle. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Princess Diana with her sons (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey (Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese)
Princes William and Harry at the unveiling of Princess Diana's statue (Dominic Lipinski/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
The Prince and Princess of Wales (Alberto Pezzali/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Prince William at Harry's wedding (Owen Humphreys/AFP via Getty Images)
Prince Harry's memoir "Spare" (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Prince Harry at King Charles III's coronation (Victoria Jones/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Despite hopes for reconciliation, the brothers remain distant, with Harry's recent brief visit for the coronation highlighting the ongoing rift. Experts suggest that while William may be there for Harry in the future, a true reconciliation seems unlikely as long as the hurt continues.
