Tensions within the British Royal Family have resurfaced following Prince Harry’s recent interview with the BBC on May 2, 2025. Sources close to the royal household indicate that Prince William had the most intense reaction to Harry’s public remarks regarding family issues. More details can be found here.
A palace insider disclosed that “William is more hurt than anything else” by Harry’s televised remarks, where the Duke of Sussex alleged that his father, King Charles III, is not communicating with him. The source mentioned that William, 42, and Princess Kate Middleton, 43, are not engaging with Harry, 40, and Meghan Markle, 43, as they focus on maintaining a peaceful environment while dealing with other matters.
In the May 2 interview, Harry voiced his dissatisfaction over his security arrangements during visits to the United Kingdom. He suggested that King Charles could resolve the security issue but has opted not to. This interview followed Harry’s unsuccessful legal attempt to obtain government-funded security protection while in the UK. Notably, Harry did not mention William or Kate directly during the interview.
Observers note that Harry’s statements come at a sensitive time for the Prince and Princess of Wales, who have been focusing on Kate’s recovery after she announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024. Kate has been in remission since September 2024, and the family is working to maintain stability during her recovery.
The source explained that discussions about Harry and Meghan have been minimized in William and Kate’s household to foster “a less stressful environment.” Staff have reportedly been instructed not to mention Meghan’s name around Kate due to the emotional impact it causes.
The insider noted that while a reconciliation with Harry is possible due to familial ties, Meghan remains a more complex issue. Palace sources suggest that Kate has no intention of reconnecting with her sister-in-law, regardless of the status of the brothers’ relationship.
The divide between the two couples has grown since Harry and Meghan decided to step back from royal duties in January 2020 and moved to California. Once referred to as the “Fab Four” by British media, they’ve had limited public interactions since the Sussexes relocated to the United States.
Royal expert Tom Quinn suggests particular incidents have contributed to the strained 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 allegedly found Meghan’s approach to royal protocols to be difficult.
A frequently cited incident involves disagreements over Princess Charlotte’s outfit for the wedding of Harry and Meghan on May 19, 2018. Reports at the time suggested the discussion emotionally affected both women, though accounts differ on who was more upset by the exchange.
Harry and Meghan, who marked their seventh wedding anniversary this month, are raising their children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, three, in Montecito, California. Harry has expressed disappointment over his children having limited ties with their extended family in Britain.
Sources close to William suggest his silence on the issue is a deliberate approach rather than indifference. A friend of the Prince of Wales described Harry’s recent comments as inappropriate, indicating that public discussions of private family matters have further eroded trust within the royal circle.
The monarchy faces additional challenges beyond the sibling dispute. King Charles III has been dealing with his health issues since early 2024, adding complexity to the family dynamics. Analysts suggest that the ongoing public nature of these family disagreements may impact public perception of the institution.
The palace source indicated that the royal family believes that meaningful reconciliation would require Harry to refrain from discussing family matters publicly. The insider noted that royal family members do not see a resolution while Harry continues to speak about private affairs in public forums.
Harry’s comments on security arrangements highlight logistical challenges to family reunification, which extend beyond emotional barriers. The Duke maintains that his security concerns prevent him from making regular visits to the UK with his family. However, UK government authorities have previously stated that the country’s security assessment process is “rigorous and proportionate.”
