Harry returns to Britain, focusing on the conflict with William: Will the brothers be able to mend fences?

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is set to return to the United Kingdom with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two young children, reigniting speculation about whether he can mend relations with his brother, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge. The brothers, once inseparable as children following the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana, have not spoken to each other in nearly three decades, despite efforts to reconcile during times of crisis, including the diagnosis of their father, King Charles III, with cancer earlier this year. The last time Harry and William were seen together was in September 2022, after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Their relationship has been strained since the publication of Harry's controversial memoir Spare in 2023 and his explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, which detailed allegations against the royal family, including claims of racism and emotional neglect. These revelations deepened the rift between the siblings, who had previously shared a close bond. Harry expressed in a February 2025 interview with the BBC that he misses England and wants to reconcile with his family. However, he acknowledged that the contents of his book and the Oprah interview had damaged their relationship. “Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing that book,” Harry said, highlighting the lingering tensions within the royal family. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told AFP that William might strongly oppose Harry’s return to the UK. “I think William would definitely resist this because there is a very deep divide between them. He feels betrayed by Harry,” Fitzwilliams stated, emphasizing the emotional chasm that has developed over the years. The roots of the conflict trace back to 1997, when the deaths of Princess Diana shocked the nation. At the time, William and Harry were just 12 and 15 years old, respectively. The tragedy marked a turning point in their lives, and while they remained close for many years, differences began to emerge. William, often portrayed as the more stable and composed heir to the throne, contrasted with Harry, who was seen as more rebellious and independent. The tension escalated further in 2016 when Harry introduced Meghan Markle, his future wife, to the public. William reportedly advised his brother against the relationship, citing concerns about Meghan being a divorced American actress nearly three years older than him. After their marriage in 2018, the couple initially appeared to form a harmonious unit with William and Kate, but cracks soon emerged. Harry accused William of failing to support Meghan as she adjusted to life in the royal family. Media coverage highlighted the rivalry between the brothers, contrasting the refined and popular Kate with the more unconventional Meghan. By late 2019, the fractures became evident when Harry admitted in a television interview that he and William were taking different paths. By early 2020, the couple had grown weary of royal life and moved to the United States. The situation reached a boiling point in March 2021 with Harry and Meghan’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they made serious accusations against the royal family, including claims of racial bias and emotional abuse. Harry described William as someone prone to anger, even recounting an incident where William allegedly knocked him to the ground during an argument. In his memoir, Harry wrote that William was both his beloved brother and his main enemy. “I was the shadow,” he wrote. “Born in case something happened to Willy.” Despite these challenges, some analysts believe that reconciliation could still be possible, particularly given the current health of King Charles III. “It is in the interest of both King Charles and Prince William to reconcile with Harry,” noted a royal historian, suggesting that the family dynamics may shift as circumstances evolve. As Harry prepares to return to the UK, all eyes remain on whether the brothers can bridge the gap that has kept them apart for so long.