The ongoing feud between Prince William and Prince Harry has reached new heights as Prince William takes decisive steps to distance his family from his estranged brother. Former royal butler Paul Burrell reveals that Prince William has shut the door firmly on Harry and Meghan Markle, determined to protect his family from further upset.
William Shuts the Door on Harry
“Make no mistake, William is keeping Kate and his family well away from Meghan and Harry,” Paul Burrell, who served as a butler to the late Princess Diana, told an outlet. “The door of Adelaide Cottage is shut, and there is no way in for Harry and Meghan.” Burrell, who worked for Diana from 1987 until her tragic death in 1997, emphasized that William’s trust in Harry has been irreparably damaged.
“Background Noise”
Burrell stated that Prince William now views Harry as “background noise” and is content with never speaking to him again. This sentiment stems from the fallout of Harry’s explosive memoir, “Spare,” where he made numerous allegations against his brother. Among the claims, Harry mocked William’s “bald head” and accused him of physically assaulting him in 2019.
The former butler also mentioned that William would “explode” if Harry ever criticized the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, during a hypothetical in-person meeting. Burrell likened William’s current role in the royal family to that of their late grandfather, Prince Philip, asserting that William “rules the family” due to King Charles III’s busy schedule as head of state.
The Emotional Toll on William
Veteran royal author Ingrid Seward offered additional insight into the strained relationship between the brothers. “William is sensitive, he likes structure and has perseverance. He does not give up easily,” Seward said. She noted that the rift with Harry has deeply upset William, but he found it easier to cut ties rather than endure continuous annoyance.
Seward also highlighted the personal challenges William faced in the past year, including King Charles’ cancer diagnosis and Kate Middleton’s serious abdominal operation, followed by her own cancer treatment. “William played both mother and father to the children while he carried on with his royal duties supporting the Queen in his father’s absence. The traumas of the past year have made him a stronger person,” Seward added. “He has become the kind of man Diana always hoped he would be—kind, considerate, and able to take on whatever life throws at him.”
A Year of Silence
Insiders revealed that Prince William and Prince Harry have not spoken since Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral on September 19, 2022. Following the funeral, Harry made a brief trip to London to meet with King Charles after his cancer diagnosis on February 6. Reports suggest their conversation lasted anywhere from 12 minutes to an hour.
The Impact of “Spare”
Harry’s memoir “Spare” has undoubtedly played a significant role in deepening the rift between the brothers. The book’s candid revelations and accusations against various members of the royal family have strained relationships further. In “Spare,” Harry not only detailed his grievances with William but also criticized the royal institution, painting a picture of a family marred by dysfunction and rigidity.
Meghan’s Influence
Burrell also implied that Meghan Markle’s presence and influence have contributed to the ongoing tension. Since their departure from the UK in 2020, Harry and Meghan have been vocal about their experiences within the royal family, often highlighting issues of racism and lack of support. This narrative has not sat well with many in the royal circle, including Prince William, who sees it as a betrayal.
Protecting the Monarchy
Royal commentator Helena Chard echoed Burrell’s sentiments, stating that Prince William’s primary concern is protecting his family and the monarchy from further upset. “Prince William is not as forgiving as King Charles and takes a much more hard-line approach to Prince Harry,” Chard said. “He views his brother’s behavior as unforgivable.”
Chard added that William is adamant about protecting the monarchy’s integrity and has cut communication with Harry to prevent further betrayal and trauma. This protective stance is seen as William stepping into a leadership role within the family, ensuring stability amidst the turmoil caused by Harry’s revelations.
A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite the seemingly insurmountable differences, some royal watchers hold a glimmer of hope for reconciliation. Grant Harrold, a former royal staffer, believes the only way for the brothers to mend their relationship is through a public apology from Harry. “The only way I see this happening is a public statement from Harry, where you come out and say that you were in a bad space and that [his memoir ‘Spare’] was a mistake,” Harrold suggested.
However, Harrold also acknowledged the improbability of such an apology, given the depth of hurt and mistrust. “Some bad things were said, and some families never patch things up, and that’s how it is… Harry has got a big heart, and a part of him probably wishes things would be different.”
Conclusion: A Family Divided
The royal feud between Prince William and Prince Harry shows no signs of abating. With William’s firm stance on keeping his family away from Harry and Meghan, and Harry’s continued public revelations, the chasm between the brothers appears to widen. As King Charles hopes for a possible reconciliation, the reality remains that trust has been shattered, and the path to healing is fraught with challenges.
As the royal family navigates these turbulent times, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution but bracing for more drama. The story of the once-close brothers turned estranged royals continues to captivate and sadden, highlighting the complexities of familial bonds and the enduring impact of public life on personal relationships.
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Source: https://okmagazine.com/p/prince-william-determined-keep-family-away-estranged-brother-prince-harry/