The strained relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William has been a source of endless speculation for years. Now, a royal expert believes she’s uncovered what’s really behind Harry’s lingering frustration — and it might not be what most people expect.
‘It’s not about Megxit anymore’
Many assumed the brothers’ rift was sparked by Harry and Meghan’s royal exit in 2020. But according to royal commentator Amanda Matta, the actual breaking point came after they left — when the palace stayed silent.
“At this point, Harry’s resentment towards William seems less about the Sussexes’ actual exit and more about what came after: the silence, the distance, and the sense that the family iced them out because they dared to speak up,” Matta told Fox News Digital.
Harry, who’s been vocal in interviews and documentaries, may have expected some acknowledgment — or at least an honest conversation behind closed doors. “There simply has to be frustration that the family won’t engage in good faith with the points that Harry has raised, even though he’s done so publicly,” she added.
‘No sign of reconciliation’
Another royal expert, Hilary Forwich, says there’s currently no movement toward healing the divide between the brothers — and Harry’s own words haven’t helped.
“Their lives and priorities have diverged dramatically since Harry decided to depart from royal duties,” Forwich said. “Harry is still harboring lingering resentment toward William, as evident in his comments. He has whined about both the estrangement and his sense of being unsupported, particularly regarding issues like security.”
Even though Harry once claimed he had “forgiven” his family, Forwich argues that his repeated public criticism suggests otherwise. “He keeps circling back to the same grievances,” she added.
‘Cut off more completely than expected’
While Matta doesn’t believe Harry regrets stepping away from life as a working royal, she does think he underestimated just how deep the separation from his family would become.
The loss, she suggests, wasn’t just professional — it was personal, and far-reaching. The result? A widening emotional gap that may be too big to close.
‘Harry left a hole in William’s world’
An unnamed source recently told US Weekly that Harry’s absence hasn’t just affected William on a personal level — it’s also thrown off the original plan for the monarchy’s future.
“Harry left a large gap in William’s world, not just personally but practically,” the insider revealed. “The whole idea was for Harry to work hand-in-hand with William and to divide and conquer during William’s monarchy. So Harry not being there is tough. William feels deserted by his brother – not that he would ever say that out loud.”
‘There are no plans for reconciliation’
Matta echoed the sentiment: “William and Harry are separated by more than an ocean. There are no plans for a reconciliation. They are two brothers living very separate lives.”
And it’s not just emotional separation. According to royal expert Jennie Bond, Prince Harry reportedly won’t have any role in William’s future as king.
‘Harry doesn’t factor into the future’
Speaking to The Mirror, Bond said: “I don’t think Harry figures in William’s plans at all. It is a very sad situation. Harry was his wingman and would have been the brother he could rely on when he takes on the very heavy responsibility of being king.”
“Harry would have had an extremely senior role and been the sibling, friend, supporter, and sounding board that the Princess Royal is now to her brother. It is a great loss for William, but one which I think he has now accepted.”
Harry’s representatives declined to comment when approached by Royal Insider.