The rift between William and Harry is reportedly reaching the seriousness of the one George VI had with his older brother, Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne.
Family feuds are common and they can happen to anyone. Most families get over it by resolving their issues. However, what if yours is a famous family and the world is watching your every move in this family feud? Firstly, communicating with each other can be difficult if you live far apart. Secondly, it can be frustrating to have the judgment of thousands of strangers. If this sounds familiar, then you're not the only one.
Prince William and Prince Harry's rift is getting wider with the breakdown of communication between them. The older prince is reportedly "very upset" with his younger brother for answering back to the Queen. Prince Harry's official response to the Queen's announcement about him not returning to the royal life has not been well received.
The Duke of Cambridge, 38, is "really sad and genuinely shocked" about his brother's behavior, according to a report by The Sunday Times. Sources close to Prince William said he believed Harry and Meghan had been "insulting and disrespectful" to the Queen. Another source close to Queen Elizabeth II said that the response by the Sussexes to Buckingham Palace’s announcement was "petulant and insulting to the Queen."
The monarch had said in a statement, "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family. Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle responded to it saying, "We can all live a life of service. Service is universal." The pair also said they "remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role."
Another source told The Sunday Times, "You don't answer the Queen back — it's just not done."
The rift between William and Harry is reportedly reaching the seriousness of the one George VI had with his older brother, Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in 1936. However, those close to the royal brothers believe that they are capable of healing their frayed relationship.
"It's still raw," a friend of William's told The Sunday Times. "He's very upset by what has happened, though absolutely intent that he and Harry's relationship will heal in time."
However, all members of the royal family may not be on the same page. The Queen and Kate Middleton are reportedly going to share messages in a TV program instead of this year's Commonwealth Day Service, which has been canceled. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were expected to join the March celebration, which was called off due to the pandemic, according to Mirror UK. Prince Charles, Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Sophie Wessex are all going to be part of the TV program, Westminster Abbey has confirmed.
Now, the monarch will share her annual message in a special program, which will air on the same day as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey. Markle is expected to address her rift with her father, Thomas Markle, and half-sister, Samantha, according to Dailymail.com. Winfrey's team had reportedly asked for footage from ITV's interview with Samantha. "So, we don't know whether or not they used that in the interview, but what we do know is nothing was off-limits," said This Morning host Holly Willoughby.
References:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/william-sad-and-shocked-at-harry-pv002r9pn
https://www.royal.uk/buckingham-palace-statement-duke-and-duchess-sussex
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/queen-kate-middleton-plan-special-23542137
Cover image source: Getty Images | Photo by Jack Taylor
