On the heels of Prince HarryReturn to Britain, Prince William and Harry’s relationship remains complicated – and Us weekly has new insights into the crack.
“William is a little jealous [his brother’s] Freedoms,” a source exclusively shares Us‘ Cover story.
Harry, 39, and his wife, Meghan Markle, who have two children together, Archie, 4, and Lilibet, 2, left the UK after announcing in January 2020 that they planned to step down from their senior positions within the royal family. They have since settled into a $14 million home in Montecito, California, more than 5,000 miles from Buckingham Palace.
Ed Owensa royal historian and author of According to Elisabeth: Can the monarchy save itself?agrees with the source, saying Us There is little doubt that William, 41, is “envious” of Harry’s achievements, citing his work at the Invictus Games. (The international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women was founded by Harry during his time as a patron of the Royal Foundation.)
“Harry has done remarkable things,” says Owen, adding that the Invictus Games “now has an international presence, and I think both brothers are clearly vying for the international stage.” This international spotlight really sets Harry’s work apart from other members of the royal family.”
British journalist Robert Jobson previously claimed that William was surprised by Harry’s success at the Invictus Games.
“I think there was a certain amount of jealousy about how well it had gone,” Jobson said on the ABC News special Prince Harry’s Mission: Life, Family and Invictus Games, which aired in February. “I think William was surprised at how successful it was, how much money was put into it and how many governments got involved.”
Harry has previously been open about his complicated relationship with William, who he described as his “arch enemy” in his 2023 memoir. Spare part.
Getty Images (2) One of King Charles III’s goals. upon his accession to the throne after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at the age of 96 in September 2022, was the streamlining of the monarchy. The mission caused a stir in January 2024 when both Charles and Princess Kate Middleton faced health problems. Prince William canceled several appearances […]
“There’s always been this competition between us, strangely enough,” Harry said during an interview with Good morning America in January 2023 while promoting his book. “I think it really does play a role or always plays a role in the ‘heir/replacement’.”
A separate insider tells Us that Harry doesn’t feel that way now, and he has invited his family to an Invictus Games anniversary event in London next month – but it’s unclear whether William or Princess Kate Middleton have the intention to be there.
Prince William, Prince Harry.
Daniel Leavl-Olivas Pool Getty Images“Harry is very happy [and] has none of these [old] Feelings now,” says the source. “He feels like his life has meaning and purpose and that he can bring a lot of good to the world.”
In addition to his estrangement from Harry, William – who is first in line to the throne – felt the pressure as both Kate, 42, and King Charles III receive treatment for their respective cancer battles.
Several British royals have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer since the beginning of their family’s reign. Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that King Charles III. received a cancer diagnosis a week after being admitted to the London Clinic for treatment of an enlarged prostate. “During King’s recent hospital procedure […]
“It was stressful,” a source said Us earlier this month. “William is deeply committed to maintaining the stability of the monarchy and instilling public confidence that everything will be OK. It’s an immense responsibility.”
To find out more about William and Harry, watch the exclusive video above – and pick up the latest issue of Us weeklynow at the kiosk.