Prince William Reportedly Sees Harry as a ‘Defector’ Amid Estranged Relationship

The fractured relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry shows little sign of mending, with the brothers reportedly not on speaking terms for years. Tensions have escalated following Harry’s departure from royal duties in 2020 and his subsequent public criticisms of the Royal Family, including accusations of physical altercations in his memoir.

While Harry, now 40, has openly discussed his grievances with the monarchy, William, 42, has remained largely silent. However, actions speak louder than words. From avoiding each other at King Charles III’s coronation to keeping their distance at a recent Spencer family funeral, the once-close siblings now appear worlds apart, reported by the Express.

According to Omid Scobie’s book Endgame, William sees Harry as a “defector.” Scobie writes: “I was talking to a source quite early on in the process, and they called Harry a ‘defector’ and said that was William’s view. These were two men who once upon a time were firmly aligned in their outlook. One of them had to move on to also protect the crown.”

The term “defector” underscores the future king’s view of Harry’s move to Montecito, California, where he now lives with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children. The move was part of Harry’s desire for financial independence and greater privacy for his family. Despite some family members, like Princess Eugenie, visiting Harry’s £11 million Montecito mansion, William has yet to make the journey.

Despite the apparent rift, William has shown subtle gestures of acknowledgment. In September, he wished Harry a happy 40th birthday on social media, a move that surprised many. William also mentioned Harry in his ITV documentary Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, reflecting on their childhood visits to homeless shelters with their mother, Princess Diana.

While these gestures suggest a flicker of goodwill, reconciliation seems unlikely. The brothers’ paths have diverged significantly, with William remaining deeply committed to his royal duties while Harry continues his life in America, focusing on his charitable ventures and occasional visits to the UK.

For now, the bond that once defined William and Harry appears to be a distant memory, and any chance of a reunion seems far off. As their strained relationship continues to play out publicly, it remains unclear if or when the two will find common ground again.