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It has been well documented in recent years that the relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry has become strained. The brothers, who were once very close, have seemed to grow more distant as their roles and responsibilities within the royal family have diverged. While they have made appearances together to honor their late mother Princess Diana on certain occasions, it is becoming clear that any reconciliation remains elusive.
This was evidently on display during their most recent joint appearance at their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes' memorial service in early September. Despite being physically present at the same event to pay respects, reports confirmed that William and Harry did not interact or speak with each other during the solemn church service. This non-exchange speaks volumes about the current state of affairs between the two royal brothers.
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While everyone had hoped attending such a memorial commemorating their late mother may help mend fences, it appears the cracks in their relationship run too deep. A reliable eyewitness stated that Harry and William deliberately sat apart and did not converse, choosing instead to avoid each other even in this setting dedicated to family. This passive avoidance of each other is unfortunately becoming the norm rather than the exception whenever their paths cross publicly.
As if to further underscore the divide, William and Harry have opted to travel separately to events in New York later this month honoring Princess Diana's legacy. Prince Harry is slated to attend a solo engagement for the Diana Award ceremony during the 25th anniversary celebrations. However, his brother Prince William will not be joining and has elected to only deliver a pre-recorded video message for the related Earthshot Prize summit instead of making an in-person appearance.
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While both brothers continue to endorse the noble work of the Diana Award which recognizes young changemakers, it seems they cannot yet find a way to endorse such causes together. It is a missed opportunity that they cannot set aside their differences to unite in person for an event so intrinsically connected to honoring their beloved mother's memory and her ideals of empowering youth.
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How did it come to this point for the once inseparable William and Harry? Much ink has been spilled speculating the reasons behind their growing familial fracture. Sources point to increased tensions emerging following Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle. Some suggest William privately voiced concerns about the speed of their relationship, which did not sit well. Other reports allege discriminatory attitudes within the palace establishment towards Meghan exacerbated rifts.
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Undoubtedly, the decision for Harry and Meghan to step back from their senior royal roles in 2020, dubbed "Megxit", was a catalyst that threw fuel on the flames. The abrupt exit and subsequent tell-all interviews damaged relations irreparably as numerous allegations were lodged. From charges of racism to failing to support Meghan's mental health struggles, the interviews plunged the monarchy into crisis and permanently reset the tattered bond between the brothers.
The fact that three long years on, a simple conversation between William and Harry at their uncle's funeral still seems an insurmountable hurdle points to how broken the trust and goodwill between them remains. While family ties mean they may find themselves together at future ceremonial events related to the queen, their once unbreakable bond of brotherly affection appears broken beyond immediate repair.
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As the heir apparent, Prince William now dutifully focuses on forging ahead with his own nuclear family as the future king with Catherine by his side. Whereas, living on the opposite side of the Atlantic as a more liberated man, Harry has set up home in California with his wife Meghan and children Archie and Lili away from the machinations of royal tradition that caused him such struggle and strife.
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Perhaps with some more time and space for old wounds to heal, the brothers may rekindle amicable relations at a less pressured phase in the future. However, for now it seems William and Harry have accepted they must sadly continue on divergent paths, bound by duty on one hand and freedom on the other, yet still periodically commemorating their beloved mother's legacy independently rather than collectively as a united brotherly front. Only time will tell if they can overcome the hurdles to restore even a fraction of the bond they once so proudly shared.
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