In their 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, the Duke of Sussex reflected on the breaking point in his relationship with his brother, Prince William.

Harry said the trouble escalated in January 2020, just as he and Meghan announced their decision to step back as senior royals. At the time, The Times reported that the couple felt “pushed away” by William’s “bullying attitude.”

Within hours, the palace issued a joint statement under both brothers’ names, calling the story “false,” “inflammatory” and “offensive.” But Harry later claimed he never approved it — or even knew it was being released.

“That day… I was told about a joint statement that had been put out in my name and my brother’s name, squashing the story,” he recalled in the series. “No one had asked me permission.”

According to Harry, when he phoned Meghan to tell her, “she burst into floods of tears… because within four hours they were happy to lie to protect my brother, and yet for three years they were never willing to tell the truth to protect us.”

Hopes of reconciliation

Years later, reports suggest Harry is open to mending ties with the royal family. In July, aides of King Charles met with Harry’s team in what was described as a “peace summit” in London — although William’s office was notably absent.

Harry is due back in the UK this September for the annual WellChild events. Observers believe it could be a chance for father and son to meet again, their first reunion since February 2024 when Harry briefly visited following the King’s cancer diagnosis.