The British Royal Family is facing renewed tensions after Prince Harry’s recent interview on the BBC on May 2, 2025. Prince William is reportedly experiencing the most significant emotional reaction to his brother’s public remarks on family issues, according to sources close to the royal household.
A palace insider stated that “William is more hurt than anything else” by Harry’s televised remarks, where the Duke of Sussex claimed that his father, King Charles III, is unwilling to communicate with him. The source mentioned that neither William, 42, nor his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, 43, are currently in contact with Harry, 40, and Meghan Markle, 43, as they are focusing on maintaining a calm environment amidst other challenges.
In the May 2 interview, Harry expressed dissatisfaction with his security arrangements while visiting the United Kingdom. He suggested that King Charles could resolve the security issue but has chosen not to address it. This interview followed Harry’s unsuccessful legal attempt to secure government-funded security protection during his UK visits. Notably, Harry did not directly mention William or Kate in the broadcast.
Observers note that Harry’s public statements come at a sensitive time for the Prince and Princess of Wales. The couple has been concentrating on Kate’s health recovery following her cancer diagnosis announced in March 2024. Kate has reportedly been in remission since September 2024, and the family is working to maintain stability during her recovery period.
The source indicated that discussions about Harry and Meghan have been deliberately limited within William and Kate’s household to foster “a less stressful environment.” Staff members have reportedly been advised not to mention Meghan’s name around Kate due to the emotional strain it causes.
The insider noted that while reconciliation with Harry remains possible due to family ties, the relationship with Meghan presents further complications. Palace sources suggest that Kate has no intention of reconnecting with her sister-in-law, even if the brothers eventually mend their relationship.
The rift between the two couples has developed significantly since Harry and Meghan decided to step back from royal duties in January 2020, subsequently establishing their permanent residence in California. Once referred to as the “Fab Four” by British media, the couples have had minimal public interaction since the Sussexes moved to the United States.
Royal expert Tom Quinn proposes that certain incidents contributed to the deterioration of relations between the women. In his recent publication, Quinn claims that Meghan viewed Kate as “too eager to please” within the royal structure, while Kate reportedly found Meghan’s approach to royal protocols challenging.
One often-cited incident involves disagreements over Princess Charlotte’s attire for Harry and Meghan’s wedding on May 19, 2018. Reports at the time suggested the discussion left both women emotionally affected, though accounts differ regarding who was more distressed by the exchange.
Harry and Meghan, who celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary this month, are raising their two children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, three, in Montecito, California. Harry has expressed disappointment over his children’s limited connections with their extended family in Britain.
Sources close to William suggest that his silence on the matter is a deliberate strategy rather than indifference. A friend of the Prince of Wales described Harry’s recent statements as inappropriate, suggesting that public discussions of private family matters have further damaged trust within the royal circle.
The monarchy faces additional challenges beyond the brotherly dispute. King Charles III has been managing his own health concerns since early 2024, adding complexity to family dynamics. Royal analysts suggest that the ongoing public nature of these family disagreements may impact public perception of the institution.
According to the palace source, the royal family believes meaningful progress toward reconciliation would require Harry to maintain discretion regarding internal family matters. The insider indicated that royal family members do not foresee a resolution while Harry continues discussing private affairs in public forums.
Harry’s comments about security arrangements underscore practical obstacles to family reunification beyond emotional barriers. The Duke maintains that his security concerns prevent regular visits to the UK with his family, though government authorities have previously stated that the UK’s security assessment process is “rigorous and proportionate.”
