The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s return to British soil has done nothing to bridge the deep divide between Prince Harry and Prince William – indeed, it has only sharpened it into a “cold war”, according to an expert.
Royal historian Amanda Foreman, speaking to People magazine, offered a striking description of where the brothers now stand: “At the moment, it has gone from being a hot war to a very, very cold war.”
After six years residing in Montecito, California, the Sussexes’ decision to relocate back to the UK has brought an unresolved family fracture into the fore.
The two princes are not believed to have exchanged words since their grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s funeral on September 19, 2022 – almost exactly four years ago. Even when both attended the 2024 funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, they reportedly did not interact.
With the Sussexes now living in Britain rather than either side of the Atlantic, the scope for awkward encounters has grown considerably.
A Palace insider told the outlet: “When they were in California, and you gazed through the looking glass, you couldn’t see it so well, but it is right back in front of them.”
The situation has been “magnified,” the insider added.
However, Mrs Foreman added: “In a cold war situation, you still have to turn up to the Olympics” – and a possible reprieve could be the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic death, in August 2027.
Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationship has been described as a ‘very cold war’
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PAThe Diana Award charity is believed to be orchestrating a series of events to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death in 2027, according to reports in The Mail.
Both Harry and William serve as patrons for the charity, which was established in Diana’s memory. It is the sole remaining patronage the brothers continue to share.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams previously told GB News it is “of course a possibility” that the brothers could be reunited, noting that both Harry and William unveiled the Diana statue in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace five years ago – though much has changed since then.
Both Harry and William unveiled the Diana statue in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in 2021 | GETTY
When the 20th anniversary arrived in 2017, William and Harry appeared side by side at a prominent Diana Award ceremony held at St James’s Palace.
By March 2024, the landscape had shifted considerably. William attended an event celebrating the charity’s 25th year in person, while Harry contributed separately through a video link.
But despite the brothers’ longstanding feud, the public have been unequivocal in their view.
A recent YouGov poll of 2,128 British adults, in collaboration with The Times, shows that 58 per cent of those asked would like the brothers to reconcile.
Within that, though, just 32 per cent believe it is possible, while 26 per cent do not.
For his part, King Charles has taken meaningful steps towards rebuilding ties with his younger son. The monarch met with Harry, Meghan, and their two children – Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5 – during a visit to Britain in July, before the couple’s permanent move.
Since the Sussexes’ arrival on August 26, the pair have spoken by telephone at least once, though they have not met in person.