The feud between Prince William and Prince Harry has become one of the biggest talking points in the British monarchy's history. Palace insiders claim that King Charles is deeply troubled by the conflict between his sons and that his greatest wish is to restore family harmony.
Reconciliation might seem like an impossible feat, but the plan is already underway, according to the Daily Mail. A recent report claims King Charles wants his sons to make peace before it's too late, with help from his new deputy private secretary, Theo Rycroft.
© Getty ImagesFormer diplomat Theo Rycroft has only been at his side since February, but he has already earned the Palace's trust. He is described by insiders as a calm operator, extremely skilled in sensitive situations, earning him the nickname of "Mr. Nice Guy."
'Mission number one'
Rycroft reportedly considers the current situation between the brothers to be "ridiculous" and has made it his "number one mission" to get William and Harry, who have not spoken since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022, to start talking again.
He is allegedly hoping to take action when Harry returns to the UK in July to begin preparations for the Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027.
According to the Daily Mail, Rycroft hopes to facilitate a meeting between Charles and Harry before trying to convince William to join them.
© Global Images Ukraine via GettyThere is also hope that the Duke of Sussex might travel with his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Since they settled in the US, the King has not seen Archie, and there is no record of him meeting little Lilibet, who turns five in June.
It wouldn't be the first step towards peace, but it would be the most significant.
International storm
The Sussexes' clash with the Royal Family officially began in 2020, when the Duke and Duchess announced their departure from the institution.
Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, created shockwaves at Buckingham Palace. She confessed to having suicidal thoughts and claimed there had been conversations within the Royal Family about Archie's potential skin colour before he was even born. These accusations of racism sparked an international firestorm.
© Getty ImagesThe Duke and Duchess defended their right to tell "their truth" in the face of what they considered relentless media coverage and a complete lack of institutional support.
Harry fuelled the narrative that he had to "rescue" Meghan from a system he deemed hostile, cold, and dehumanising.
Final blow
The final blow came with the publication of Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, which quickly became the biggest-selling non-fiction book in publishing history.
The claims made in his book shattered any possibility of reconciliation. Harry described William as his "dear brother" and, at the same time, his "arch-enemy." He recounted private arguments, family recriminations, and humiliating episodes.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetAmong them was the infamous physical altercation at Nottingham Cottage in 2019, when, according to the prince, William grabbed him by the neck, broke his chain, and threw him to the ground during an argument about Meghan. He also spoke of alleged tensions between his wife and Princess Kate.
According to reports at the time, Prince William was deeply hurt by the allegations. Yet there is still hope the pair could mend their fractured bond – and the opportunity could come as soon as this summer.
