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Prince William and Prince Harry's relationship through the years in pictures

The royal brothers were once very close

harry william bond
Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
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Prince William and Prince Harry once shared an unbreakable bond. The royal brothers supported one another through the loss of their mother, Princess Diana, carried out fun joint engagements and were each other's best man at their respective weddings.

In recent years, their relationship has become fractured, however, with Harry first addressing rumours that there were tensions between him and his older brother during Tom Bradby's 2019 documentary, Harry & Meghan: An African Journey. 

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When asked by the reporter at the time whether there was any truth to the reports, the Duke said "inevitably stuff happens" but that there was little truth to the speculation, saying: "The majority of the stuff is created out of nothing but as brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days."

Harry added of William: "We are certainly on different paths at the moment, but I will always be there for him as I know he will always be there for me. We don't see each other as much as we used to because we are so busy, but I love him dearly."

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But tensions deepened in early 2020 when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their plans to step back as senior royals, with Harry later claiming in his and Meghan's Netflix docuseries that William screamed and shouted at him during the Sandringham summit.

The Sussexes made a number of claims against the royal family in their 2020 interview with Oprah Winfrey, including accusations of racism.

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Leaked extracts of Harry's memoir, Spare, also detail a physical altercation between him and William at Nottingham Cottage in 2019.

The brothers were last reunited publicly together at their grandmother Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September. 

Whether William and Harry will one day reconcile their relationship remains to be seen, but take a look back at the brothers together in happier times...

Prince William as Prince Harrys best man at royal wedding in 2018© Photo: Getty Images

Prince William and Prince Harry's bond never looked closer than on Harry's wedding day in May 2018. William served as his best man and appeared to do a great job as he kept Harry smiling while waiting for his bride to walk down the aisle at St George's Chapel, Windsor. 

Prince William and Prince Harry on a walkabout the night before the royal wedding in 2018© Photo: Getty Images

Prince William was really earning his best man stripes as he accompanied Harry on a walkabout to meet members of the public in Windsor ahead of his wedding. This photo of them examining a little teddy bear is just too adorable!

Cambridges and Sussexes walk to church on Christmas Day 2019© Photo: Getty Images

A wonderful landmark moment for Prince Harry in 2018 as he spent his first Christmas as a married man. Harry and his new bride Meghan were joined by William and Kate and then-Prince Charles for the Christmas Day church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate. It looks like a great laugh was had by all!

Princess Diana stands at a piano with Princes William and Harry in 1985© Photo: Getty Images

The brothers shared a sweet bond from a young age, with Princess Diana encouraging her sons to look out for one another. Here, a young William and baby Harry can be seen playing the piano at their Kensington Palace home in 1985. 

Prince William and Prince Harry at an event in 2018© Photo: Getty Images

This photo just screams mischief! The royal brothers attended the opening of the Greenhouse Sports Centre in April 2018 – and judging by the smirk on William's face, Harry must have said something funny…

Prince Harry as Prince Williams best man at royal wedding in 2011© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry walked nervous groom Prince William to the altar on his 2011 wedding day.

Prince Harry and Prince William in Canada in 1991© Photo: Getty Images

A double-denim moment during their family visit to Canada in 1991.

Princess Diana watches as Harry and William play on a slide in 1986© Photo: Getty Images

The brothers, dressed in the uniform of the Parachute Regiment, were just like any other little boys their age as they played on a slide in their family garden in 1986. 

Princess Diana, Prince Harry and Prince William at Thorpe Park

As her sons grew older, Diana let them experience ordinary things such as trips to McDonalds and theme parks, like Thorpe Park. 

Prince Harry and Prince William hold a snake in Botswana© Photo: Getty Images

The royal brothers proved that they were a fearless duo when they held on to an African rock python in Botswana.

Prince Harry and Prince William play polo© Photo: Getty Images

Friendly competition! William and Harry proved that there is still love between them with a friendly handshake after competing against each other in the Sentebale Polo Cup polo match at Coworth Park.

Prince Harry and Prince William at the Rugby World Cup© Photo: Getty Images

Game time madness! England fan Harry and Wales supporter Will looked like they were sharing some friendly banter as their rival teams went head-to-head during the Rugby World Cup.

Prince Charles with Princes William and Harry in 1985© Photo: Getty Images

Little Harry climbed on his older brother's shoulders with the help of their father Charles.

Prince Harrys first day school in 1989© Photo: Getty Images

With his big brother by his side, Prince Harry was ready for his first day of school in 1989.

Prince Harry walks behind Prince William and Kate Middleton at their royal wedding in 2011© Photo: Getty Images

Harry continued his supporting role next to bride Kate's sister Pippa on his older brother's wedding day.

Prince William and Prince Harry in Scotland in 1986© Photo: Getty Images

Mother's boys! William and Harry shared a special moment with mum Diana during a trip to Scotland.

Princes William and Harry skiing with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie in 1995© Photo: Getty Images

Prince William led the way during a ski trip with Prince Harry – and their little cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie – during a 1995 ski trip to Switzerland.

Prince Harry and Prince William duel with light sabres© Photo: Getty Images

In April 2016, Harry and William tried out light sabers during a tour of the Star Wars set at Pinewood studios in Iver Heath, England.

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Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince Harry race one another in 2017© Photo: Getty Images

Kate was left in the dust as William and Harry went head to head during a Marathon Training Day with Team Heads Together at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on February 5, 2017 in London.

Prince William and Prince Harry at the London Marathon 2017© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry might be known as the jokester of the two, but here it's Prince William who caused his brother to crack up during the London Marathon in 2017.

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