Prince William Reportedly Told a Friend He Can't Be There for Prince Harry Like He Used to Anymore
In Battle of Brothers, royal historian Robert Lacey writes that Prince William told a friend he can no longer be there for Prince Harry like he used to be.
The bond between brothers Prince William and Prince Harry has been strained for a while now, but it's gotten so bad that William feels their relationship is changed in a big, fundamental way.
In his new book Battle of Brothers: William and Harry — The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult, royal historian Robert Lacey digs deep into the brothers' problems.
According to Lacey, William admitted to a friend that, after Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle's, behavior following the birth of their son, Archie Harrison, he felt he could no longer be there for his younger brother as he had been in the past.
Prince William and Prince Harry's relationship has been, well strained to say the least lately. The breakdown of the brothers' bond has been speculated about by royal followers for the past few years now and public interest in the so-called "feud" has been so high that royal historian Robert Lacey (who serves as the main royal consultant on Netflix's drama The Crown) recently wrote a book dedicated to getting to the bottom of it.
For context, Harry and Meghan made a conscious decision to do things differently with Archie than other senior royals (include William and his wife, Kate Middleton) had with their children. For one, Harry and Meghan opted against welcoming Archie at the Lindo Wing maternity at St. Mary's Hospital in London, having him at Portland Hospital, an American-owned, upscale, private medical center in London's Westminster neighborhood.
They also instructed the Palace to release misleading statements surrounding his birth—notably, the Palace didn't even announce that Meghan was in labor until she had already delivered Archie and the family had returned home with him. And, finally, Harry and Meghan refused to allow members of the public to witness Archie's christening (another royal tradition) and fought to keep the identities of his godparents a secret.
This all added up to "too much" in William's book, apparently, because it was after this series of events when Lacey says he admitted to a friend that his relationship with his brother had fundamentally changed. In the book, Lacey writes:
"I've put my arm round his shoulder all our lives together,' said the prince to a friend, explaining why Harry and Meghan's behaviour and the succession of erratic decisions surrounding Archie's birth and christening—particularly the weird concealing of the godparents—had led to the rupture between the brothers that Harry would describe later as the pursuit of 'different paths.'
"I can't do it any more," said William.
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Theengagement ring of the century (yep, the same sapphire sparkler that Kate Middleton now totes around) made its debut when Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer announced their engagement on the grounds outside of Buckingham Palace.
(Image credit: Getty/Central Press)
A Very Important Approval
Prince Charles and Diana pose with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace after she gave her consent for their wedding. Is it just me or does everyone look rather...tense?
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
Practice Makes Perfect
Diana and Charles are seen leaving St. Paul's Cathedral after their first wedding rehearsal on June 12, 1981—47 days before the big day. Hey, if you were getting married in front of, oh, I don't know, the entire world, you'd want lots of practice too.
(Image credit: Getty/Hulton Archive)
The Final Dress Fitting
Diana is seen leaving Emanuel's after the final fitting for her wedding dress a week before the big day. The suspense!
(Image credit: Getty/Central Press)
The Dress
Husband and wife designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel were tapped to design Lady Di's dreamy taffeta gown. The designs were kept secret until the day of the ceremony, when the press was given a sketch of what they'd see on the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral.
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
More Practice
This time, Diana and Charles leave the church only two days before their wedding. Appropriate.
(Image credit: Getty/Fox Photos)
The Spectators
Crowds camped out along the procession route the night before the wedding to ensure a good view.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
The Celebration Begins...
A firework display took place over London on the eve of Charles and Diana's wedding on July 28, 1981.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
...And Continues the Next Morning
On their wedding day, celebrations were seen throughout the United Kingdom. In Wales, the Royal Air Force performed a formation of the Prince of Wales Feathers over Caernarfon Castle.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
The Royal Fans
Remember those campers? They lined the streets with British flags and decorations, hoping to get a glimpse at the couple upon their arrival.
(Image credit: Getty/Graham Wiltshire)
Messages From Supporters
They also relayed messages of support for the royal couple along the procession route. Seeing these signs HAD to calm Diana's nerves.
(Image credit: NBC NewsWire)
The Worldwide Media Coverage
Press from every nation, including the United States, set up outposts to live broadcast the events. Here, Today hosts Willard Scott, Jane Pauley, and Tom Brokaw enjoy a spot of tea (as one does) before the ceremony.
(Image credit: Getty/Boris Spremo)
So. Many. Photographers.
Seriously, can you imagine driving past all of this before your wedding?
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
Princess Margaret and Ann Arrive
Two of the most stylish royals, Princess Anne and Princess Margaret, arrived first and did not disappoint. Those colors! Those coordinating fascinators! Just wow.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
The Bridesmaids Make Their Entrance
Princess Diana's bridesmaids were treated like royalty (granted, some of them were royalty), arriving in a gold carriage.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
Lots of Royals Attended...
The day's festivities drew some of the most important royals from around the world—including Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly. How chic is she?!
(Image credit: Getty/Bettmann)
...Including American Royalty
First Lady Nancy Reagan wore a blush outfit to the nuptials. Unparalleled glamour, I tell you.
(Image credit: Getty/Keystone)
Prince Charles Arrives Next
Prince Charles waves to the excited crowds along the processional—an appropriate response to the many people who camped out ahead of his wedding, if you ask me.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
A Glimpse of the Bride
There are few moments more anticipated by the public than this one. Princess Diana arrived at St. Paul's Cathedral and everyone finally got to see her dress. How Diana managed to fit all that taffeta into one carriage? The world will never know.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
The Long Train Makes Its Debut
When the bride stepped out of the carriage, she revealed a 25-foot-long train and veil. Absolutely breathtaking.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
Charles Waits for the Bride
Prince Charles patiently waits for Diana to arrive while flanked by his two groomsmen, brothers Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
(Image credit: Getty/Anwar Hussein)
The Long, Long Walk
Diana and her father make their way to the altar. Can you imagine how wild their nerves must have been at this moment??? P.S. Take a closer at the Spencer Tiara—yep, she wore her own family jewels for her big day.
(Image credit: Getty/Serge Lemoine)
A Packed Church
The pews were packed with more than 3,500 guests. Shout out to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Diana's right.
(Image credit: Getty/David Levenson)
View From the Back
Honestly, how gorge is St. Paul's Cathedral? Obsessed.
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
A Curtsy for the Queen
Every bride wants to impress their mother-in-law, but when your MIL also happens to be the Queen, it's customary to give a curtsy upon seeing her—even at your own wedding.
(Image credit: Getty/Keystone)
Following Up Behind
Sarah Armstrong-Jones, a.k.a. Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon's daughter, was the chief bridesmaid.
(Image credit: Getty/Mirrorpix)
The Bridesmaids Watch On
Princess Diana had a total of five bridesmaids: Clementine Hambro, Catherine Cameron, Sarah-Jane Gaselee, India Hicks, and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones. Sarah was even trusted with holding Diana's bouquet!
(Image credit: Getty/Fox Photos)
With This Ring....
Diana let her nerves show when she accidentally mixed up Prince Charles' full name, referring to him as Philip Charles Arthur George rather than Charles Philip Arthur George. (I mean, who can blame her, that name is a mouthful.)
(Image credit: Getty/Keystone)
Charles Whispers to His Bride
The couple share a private moment during the ceremony. What do you think they were talking about? How much they wanted a glass of bubbly?
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
The Processional
The couple looked b-e-y-o-n-d regal as they made their way down the aisle after saying "I do."
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
Details at the Entrance
Sure, you've seen this shot, but have you ever noticed the mountains of flowers displayed at the entrance of church? Didn't think so.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
The Queen Leaves the Cathedral
As is traditional, the Queen lead the charge for departing guests.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
Husband and Wife
Charles and Diana were greeted by more than 60,000 well-wishers as they made their way from St. Paul's Cathedral to Buckingham Palace.
(Image credit: Getty/Mirrorpix)
A Look Inside the Carriage
The couple's carriage drove along Fleet Street on their way to Buckingham Palace.
(Image credit: Getty/Fox Photos)
Controlling the Crowds
Police were out in full force to manage the massive crowds along the procession route. Wouldn't you fight your way through to catch a glimpse at the newlyweds?
(Image credit: Getty/Keystone)
Officially Married!
Prince Charles and Princess Diana's signatures, along with those of their family as witnesses, make it official official.
The Queen and her new daughter-in-law share a laugh while on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
(Image credit: Getty/Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library)
"Should We Give Them a Kiss, Darling?"
Charles and Diana appear rather bashful on the balcony, where it's customary to share a kiss. TBH, a pretty normal reaction, considering the enormous crowds that were watching.
(Image credit: Getty/Mirrorpix)
The Kiss
The couple eventually gave the people what they wanted!
(Image credit: Getty/AFP)
All of the Royalty
Remember cramming into your high school club photo? This was a lot like that, except instead of a bunch of ultimate frisbee kids, it's a giant group of all of Europe's royal families. Casual.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
The Official Cake
When you have to feed thousands of guests at your reception, one cake will not do—so they had 27. But their official cake was a multi-tiered fruit cake made by the head baker at the Royal Naval Cookery School.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
A Ceremonial Display
Keeping up with tradition, Diana's bouquet was laid upon the tomb of the Unknown Warrior Grave in Westminster Abbey. The Princess' bouquet, made up of white orchids, freesias, gardenias, and lily of the valley flowers, weighed around 2 kilos (that's over 4 lbs!) and was nearly 42 inches long.
(Image credit: Getty/Wally McNamee)
Off to the Honeymoon
After the wedding of the century, Charles and Diana made their way through the crowds once more, this time to embark on their honeymoon.
(Image credit: Getty/David Levenson)
Just Married
The newlywed's carriage was decorated with a "Just Married" sign, as well as mylar balloons with the Prince of Wales feather on them.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
One Last Look
In a glamorous exit, the couple departed from Waterloo Station by train. They spent their first three nights as a married couple in the Broadlands, the same place Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth spent their wedding night.
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
A Tender Moment
Where does a royal couple honeymoon, you ask? On the royal yacht, of course. After the Broadlands, Charles and Diana set sail from Gibraltar to travel around the Mediterranean.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
Welcome Home, Newlyweds
The couple arrived in Scotland for the final leg of their honeymoon, looking quite ~sun-kissed~.
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
The End of the Celebration
The couple welcomed photographers to Balmoral, the Queen's estate in Scotland, for a photo call at the end of their trip, officially closing out the royal wedding extravaganza.
•••
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Theengagement ring of the century (yep, the same sapphire sparkler that Kate Middleton now totes around) made its debut when Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer announced their engagement on the grounds outside of Buckingham Palace.
(Image credit: Getty/Central Press)
A Very Important Approval
Prince Charles and Diana pose with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace after she gave her consent for their wedding. Is it just me or does everyone look rather...tense?
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
Practice Makes Perfect
Diana and Charles are seen leaving St. Paul's Cathedral after their first wedding rehearsal on June 12, 1981—47 days before the big day. Hey, if you were getting married in front of, oh, I don't know, the entire world, you'd want lots of practice too.
(Image credit: Getty/Hulton Archive)
The Final Dress Fitting
Diana is seen leaving Emanuel's after the final fitting for her wedding dress a week before the big day. The suspense!
(Image credit: Getty/Central Press)
The Dress
Husband and wife designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel were tapped to design Lady Di's dreamy taffeta gown. The designs were kept secret until the day of the ceremony, when the press was given a sketch of what they'd see on the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral.
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
More Practice
This time, Diana and Charles leave the church only two days before their wedding. Appropriate.
(Image credit: Getty/Fox Photos)
The Spectators
Crowds camped out along the procession route the night before the wedding to ensure a good view.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
The Celebration Begins...
A firework display took place over London on the eve of Charles and Diana's wedding on July 28, 1981.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
...And Continues the Next Morning
On their wedding day, celebrations were seen throughout the United Kingdom. In Wales, the Royal Air Force performed a formation of the Prince of Wales Feathers over Caernarfon Castle.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
The Royal Fans
Remember those campers? They lined the streets with British flags and decorations, hoping to get a glimpse at the couple upon their arrival.
(Image credit: Getty/Graham Wiltshire)
Messages From Supporters
They also relayed messages of support for the royal couple along the procession route. Seeing these signs HAD to calm Diana's nerves.
(Image credit: NBC NewsWire)
The Worldwide Media Coverage
Press from every nation, including the United States, set up outposts to live broadcast the events. Here, Today hosts Willard Scott, Jane Pauley, and Tom Brokaw enjoy a spot of tea (as one does) before the ceremony.
(Image credit: Getty/Boris Spremo)
So. Many. Photographers.
Seriously, can you imagine driving past all of this before your wedding?
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
Princess Margaret and Ann Arrive
Two of the most stylish royals, Princess Anne and Princess Margaret, arrived first and did not disappoint. Those colors! Those coordinating fascinators! Just wow.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
The Bridesmaids Make Their Entrance
Princess Diana's bridesmaids were treated like royalty (granted, some of them were royalty), arriving in a gold carriage.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
Lots of Royals Attended...
The day's festivities drew some of the most important royals from around the world—including Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly. How chic is she?!
(Image credit: Getty/Bettmann)
...Including American Royalty
First Lady Nancy Reagan wore a blush outfit to the nuptials. Unparalleled glamour, I tell you.
(Image credit: Getty/Keystone)
Prince Charles Arrives Next
Prince Charles waves to the excited crowds along the processional—an appropriate response to the many people who camped out ahead of his wedding, if you ask me.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
A Glimpse of the Bride
There are few moments more anticipated by the public than this one. Princess Diana arrived at St. Paul's Cathedral and everyone finally got to see her dress. How Diana managed to fit all that taffeta into one carriage? The world will never know.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
The Long Train Makes Its Debut
When the bride stepped out of the carriage, she revealed a 25-foot-long train and veil. Absolutely breathtaking.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
Charles Waits for the Bride
Prince Charles patiently waits for Diana to arrive while flanked by his two groomsmen, brothers Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
(Image credit: Getty/Anwar Hussein)
The Long, Long Walk
Diana and her father make their way to the altar. Can you imagine how wild their nerves must have been at this moment??? P.S. Take a closer at the Spencer Tiara—yep, she wore her own family jewels for her big day.
(Image credit: Getty/Serge Lemoine)
A Packed Church
The pews were packed with more than 3,500 guests. Shout out to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Diana's right.
(Image credit: Getty/David Levenson)
View From the Back
Honestly, how gorge is St. Paul's Cathedral? Obsessed.
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
A Curtsy for the Queen
Every bride wants to impress their mother-in-law, but when your MIL also happens to be the Queen, it's customary to give a curtsy upon seeing her—even at your own wedding.
(Image credit: Getty/Keystone)
Following Up Behind
Sarah Armstrong-Jones, a.k.a. Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon's daughter, was the chief bridesmaid.
(Image credit: Getty/Mirrorpix)
The Bridesmaids Watch On
Princess Diana had a total of five bridesmaids: Clementine Hambro, Catherine Cameron, Sarah-Jane Gaselee, India Hicks, and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones. Sarah was even trusted with holding Diana's bouquet!
(Image credit: Getty/Fox Photos)
With This Ring....
Diana let her nerves show when she accidentally mixed up Prince Charles' full name, referring to him as Philip Charles Arthur George rather than Charles Philip Arthur George. (I mean, who can blame her, that name is a mouthful.)
(Image credit: Getty/Keystone)
Charles Whispers to His Bride
The couple share a private moment during the ceremony. What do you think they were talking about? How much they wanted a glass of bubbly?
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
The Processional
The couple looked b-e-y-o-n-d regal as they made their way down the aisle after saying "I do."
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
Details at the Entrance
Sure, you've seen this shot, but have you ever noticed the mountains of flowers displayed at the entrance of church? Didn't think so.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
The Queen Leaves the Cathedral
As is traditional, the Queen lead the charge for departing guests.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
Husband and Wife
Charles and Diana were greeted by more than 60,000 well-wishers as they made their way from St. Paul's Cathedral to Buckingham Palace.
(Image credit: Getty/Mirrorpix)
A Look Inside the Carriage
The couple's carriage drove along Fleet Street on their way to Buckingham Palace.
(Image credit: Getty/Fox Photos)
Controlling the Crowds
Police were out in full force to manage the massive crowds along the procession route. Wouldn't you fight your way through to catch a glimpse at the newlyweds?
(Image credit: Getty/Keystone)
Officially Married!
Prince Charles and Princess Diana's signatures, along with those of their family as witnesses, make it official official.
The Queen and her new daughter-in-law share a laugh while on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
(Image credit: Getty/Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library)
"Should We Give Them a Kiss, Darling?"
Charles and Diana appear rather bashful on the balcony, where it's customary to share a kiss. TBH, a pretty normal reaction, considering the enormous crowds that were watching.
(Image credit: Getty/Mirrorpix)
The Kiss
The couple eventually gave the people what they wanted!
(Image credit: Getty/AFP)
All of the Royalty
Remember cramming into your high school club photo? This was a lot like that, except instead of a bunch of ultimate frisbee kids, it's a giant group of all of Europe's royal families. Casual.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
The Official Cake
When you have to feed thousands of guests at your reception, one cake will not do—so they had 27. But their official cake was a multi-tiered fruit cake made by the head baker at the Royal Naval Cookery School.
(Image credit: Getty/PA Images)
A Ceremonial Display
Keeping up with tradition, Diana's bouquet was laid upon the tomb of the Unknown Warrior Grave in Westminster Abbey. The Princess' bouquet, made up of white orchids, freesias, gardenias, and lily of the valley flowers, weighed around 2 kilos (that's over 4 lbs!) and was nearly 42 inches long.
(Image credit: Getty/Wally McNamee)
Off to the Honeymoon
After the wedding of the century, Charles and Diana made their way through the crowds once more, this time to embark on their honeymoon.
(Image credit: Getty/David Levenson)
Just Married
The newlywed's carriage was decorated with a "Just Married" sign, as well as mylar balloons with the Prince of Wales feather on them.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
One Last Look
In a glamorous exit, the couple departed from Waterloo Station by train. They spent their first three nights as a married couple in the Broadlands, the same place Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth spent their wedding night.
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
A Tender Moment
Where does a royal couple honeymoon, you ask? On the royal yacht, of course. After the Broadlands, Charles and Diana set sail from Gibraltar to travel around the Mediterranean.
(Image credit: Getty/Princess Diana Archive)
Welcome Home, Newlyweds
The couple arrived in Scotland for the final leg of their honeymoon, looking quite ~sun-kissed~.
(Image credit: Getty/Tim Graham)
The End of the Celebration
The couple welcomed photographers to Balmoral, the Queen's estate in Scotland, for a photo call at the end of their trip, officially closing out the royal wedding extravaganza.
•••
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
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