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It has been a tumultuous year for the British Royal Family, with many hidden troubles emerging into the public light. Perhaps no development has caused more strain than the deepening divide between Prince William and his brother Prince Harry. Their relationship, once incredibly close, has deteriorated rapidly due to a perfect storm of tensions that finally came to a head in 2022.
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The initial shock came in March, when Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William's beloved wife, made a heart-wrenching announcement - she had been diagnosed with cancer and was privately undergoing chemotherapy treatments. This revelation came as a surprise, as Kate had withdrawn from public duties for two months without explanation. Her priority now, she made clear, was caring for her young children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - and undergoing treatment without distressing them.
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It was around this time that rumors of a rift between the brothers had grown too loud to ignore. While few expected the diagnosis would help mend relations, no one could have predicted the events that transpired and pushed William and Harry past the point of no return. Shortly after Kate shared her health struggles, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle issued a brief statement of support that seemed well-meaning on the surface, but contained one crucial detail that enraged the Duke of Cambridge.
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According to sources close to William, he was infuriated that the statement referred to his wife as "Kate", rather than her legal name "Catherine". While this may seem a trivial matter, the Princess of Wales had long made it politely known that she prefers to be called by her formal name in public statements and documents. To disregard this wish, especially at such a sensitive time, was viewed as an intentional slight by Harry and Meghan aimed at stirring up trouble. It confirmed William's growing belief that his brother no longer respected proper protocols or supported the family as he once had.
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The use of an informal name was just the latest incident in a string of perceived slights and disrespect toward the monarchy since Harry's marriage to the American actress Meghan Markle. Their brief statement also highlighted that, unlike close family, the couple had only learned of Kate's diagnosis after she went public - a stinging reminder of the distance created between the royal in-laws in recent times. Indeed, it emerged that Harry felt hurt himself that he was not confided in privately about Kate's health before the rest of the world.
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This deep embarrassment and growing estrangement came to a head over differing ideas of privacy and duty to the Crown. While Harry once fully embraced his royal responsibilities, it was clear he now prioritized his independence and life in America with Meghan above all else. For William, protecting the longevity of the monarchy through dignity and discretion was of utmost importance - as was supporting his beloved wife.
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Both sides refused to compromise, and there seemed little chance of mending fences, leaving a family forever fractured. With each side now publicly blaming the other, this bitter schism shows no signs of healing any time soon. The “Fab Four” era is truly over, with the brothers now barely on speaking terms as they walk separate paths. It remains to be seen if time and maturity might one day bring Prince William and Prince Harry back together once more.
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