Prince William and Prince Harry Divided by ‘Profound Rift’: Princess Diana ‘Would Have Tried to Act as Peacemaker’ (Exclusive)

In his memoir Spare, Harry describes a tense 2019 confrontation where William criticized Meghan and, according to Harry, physically grabbed him by the collar, knocking him to the floor. The divide only deepened after the couple’s explosive 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, followed by their Netflix docuseries and Harry’s bestselling book — each delivering sharp criticism of William, King Charles, 76, Kate, 43, Queen Camilla, 78, and the institution they serve. “Some members of my family will never forgive me,” Harry admitted in May.
While Harry has spoken openly about his hope for reconciliation with his family, insiders say his calls and messages to William have gone unanswered.
Says Robert Lacey, author of Battle of Brothers: “The rift is very profound and very long-lasting. It will not be changed, in my opinion, until Harry makes a move and apologizes.”
Adds historian Amanda Foreman: “Everyone wants it to happen on their terms, but that’s what makes it impossible.”
Despite the gulf between them, the royal brothers remain united in one shared vow: to honor their mother’s memory. Their inspiration comes from Diana, who redefined royal life — not with pomp, but with genuine compassion. She didn’t just infuse their lives with normalcy through visits to amusement parks and burger joints; she also took them to shelters for the unhoused. One was London’s The Passage, whose CEO Mick Clarke says William’s “visits with his mom left a deep and lasting impression.”