Prince William ‘can’t completely forgive’ Prince Harry after ‘difficult’ moment that had ‘huge impact’ on Wales family

A royal expert has claimed Prince William is struggling to forgive his younger brother after thinking he'd 'always' have his support...

Prince William ‘can’t completely forgive’ Prince Harry it's claimed, seen here viewing view floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth
(Image credit: photo by Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images)

A royal expert has claimed Prince William ‘can’t completely forgive’ Prince Harry for him stepping back as this “difficult” moment had a “huge impact” on his entire family.  


In recent weeks fans have seen Prince William and Prince Harry reunite as they mourned the loss of their beloved grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. The brothers were seen with Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle on a walkabout at Windsor Castle greeting mourners and later attended the monarch’s State Funeral and Committal Service. This came after years of speculation about the Princes’ bond and suggestions of a “rift” between them. 

Now royal expert and author of The New Royals, Katie Nicholl has claimed that Prince William “can’t completely forgive” Prince Harry since he “stepped back” from royal duties. Opening up to Us Weekly, she expressed her belief that Prince Harry’s departure had a “huge impact” not just upon Prince William, but upon Kate and their children.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the long Walk at Windsor Castle

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

“It was very difficult for William, and I think that’s partly why this rift hasn’t been resolved, because, you know, William can’t completely forgive Harry for what he’s done,” Katie alleged, reflecting upon Prince Harry leaving royal life behind him. 

She went on to describe how much this apparently affected not just the now-Prince and Princess of Wales, but their three young children too.

“It had a huge impact on him, on Catherine, on their young family,” the royal expert claimed. “It put them in that prime sort of center. It moved them center stage far sooner than they would otherwise have been.”

Katie continued, “I think William had always expected that he would have the support of his brother. And I think it wasn’t just that Harry had chosen to leave and to stand down. I think a lot of it was how he chose to do that and what William saw as great disrespect to the institution and to him, to his family, to his grandmother.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge during the unveiling of a statue

(Image credit: Photo by Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “stepped back”, they’ve settled in their Santa Barbara mansion and undertaken various appearances. This included their Oprah Winfrey interview where Prince Harry described his brother and father as “trapped” in the institution and spoke on a podcast about “genetic pain and suffering” that he claimed gets “passed on”. 

With Prince Harry and Meghan no longer working royals, Prince William and Kate have been observed stepping up more than ever in recent years. Their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who are all high up in the royal line of succession, have also been glimpsed more frequently. 

However, despite Katie Nicholl’s suggestion that Prince William could be struggling to “completely forgive” Prince Harry, King Charles suggested he’s desiring unity with his family in his first address to the nation as monarch.

After admiringly mentioning the Prince and Princess of Wales, His Majesty later declared, “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”

It’s not known when Prince William and Prince Harry will next reunite but with Christmas drawing nearer, some fans will perhaps be hoping the festivities provide them with a brilliant opportunity.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!