Prince Harry has revealed that a palace statement denying claims Prince William had “bullied” him and Meghan out of the royal family was issued without his consent — leaving him “furious” and Meghan in floods of tears.
The brothers, once close after enduring their parents’ divorce and the loss of Princess Diana, are now estranged and living on opposite sides of the Atlantic. In Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, Harry recalled a moment that he believes drove a wedge between them.
“A story came out saying part of the reason Meghan and I were leaving was because William had bullied us out,” Harry said. “Once I got in the car after a meeting, I was told about a joint statement in my name and my brother’s name squashing the story. I couldn’t believe it. No one had asked me. I rang M and told her — she burst into tears because within four hours they were happy to lie to protect my brother, and for three years, they were never willing to tell the truth to protect us.”
Harry admitted he understood why William sided with “the institution” — calling it his “inheritance” and “responsibility” — but said the episode marked a turning point in their relationship.
Behind-the-Scenes Peace Efforts
Recently, there have been tentative signs of reconciliation. Last month, King Charles’s senior aides met with Harry’s top communications staff in London in what has been described as a “peace summit.” The informal meeting, held at the Royal Over-Seas League near Clarence House, included Harry’s chief communications officer Meredith Maines and UK PR head Liam Maguire, along with the King’s communications secretary Tobyn Andreae.
A source told The Mail on Sunday: “There’s a long road ahead, but a channel of communication is now open for the first time in years. There was no formal agenda, just casual drinks.”
While Prince William’s team was not invited, royal experts believe his behind-the-scenes support was essential. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: “The King would never have made these moves without William’s support and understanding. William and Catherine are the future of the monarchy. He has undoubtedly been furious at the way the Sussexes have behaved and reportedly hasn’t spoken to Harry in over two years.”
Author Phil Dampier added: “The King is more anxious to patch things up than William, who I believe will never be close to his brother again.”
Future Encounters?
Harry is expected to return to the UK in September for the WellChild Awards, which could see him meet his father for the first time in 18 months. However, William reportedly has no plans to see him, suggesting any reconciliation between the brothers remains a distant hope.
