
Prince William isn't only upset about Prince Harry airing family drama in the media.
According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, the Prince of Wales was—understandably—upset about the simple fact of his brother moving far away from him.
But unlike in a normal family, it was more than just the fear of missing him: William was not pleased that his brother would no longer be there to absorb some of the media attention that he, Princess Kate and their children would now have to receive alone, Nicholl explains.
Still, "William and Kate also felt a sense of relief, that 'the drama was gone' when Harry and Meghan left, as a source told me," the expert writes in Vanity Fair.
The drama she may be referring to includes the excess negative media attention Meghan Markle received during her time as a senior royal (which is a huge part of the reason she and Harry decided to leave in the first place), and her difficulties adjusting to royal duties—as described by Tom Bower in his recent book Revenge, and by the Duchess of Sussex herself in her podcast, Archetypes.
For Nicholl, the rift between the once-close brothers is also a difficulty for King Charles, both on a personal level and for his reign. "He is hurt and disappointed but he has always said his love for Harry is unconditional," a family friend told her.
The late Queen also found the Sussexes' departure very difficult, reportedly. A friend recalled her saying soon after their decision came to light, "She was very hurt and told me, 'I don’t know, I don’t care, and I don’t want to think about it anymore.'"
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
The Perfumer Behind Last Year's Most Talked-About Fragrance Just Released Another Perfect Scent
Aqua Media Cologne forte embodies a feeling of balance and harmony.
By Deena Campbell
-
'Yellowface' Is Our June Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from R.F. Kuang's latest novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
I Scoured the Summer Runways—Here Are the Six Shoe Trends Actually Worth Buying
Hit the ground running this season.
By Emma Childs
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Tabloid Stories About Prince Harry Came From Members of the Royal Family, 'Daily Mirror' Publisher Claims
These claims could corroborate previous statements from Harry.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Hugged a Little Girl Who Burst Into Tears During Windsor Walkabout, And Told Her Mom to Get Her an Ice Cream
So cute!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Here's How Princess Kate Kept an Eye on Prince Louis During the Coronation, According to a Body Language Expert
Smart.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Louis Was Filmed Eating a S'more So Delicious It Literally Made Him "Weak at the Knees"
Oh, Louis.
By Iris Goldsztajn