Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly refusing to rush into a reconciliation with Prince Harry despite the Duke of Sussex being back on British soil.
A new report claims the Prince and Princess of Wales are deliberately avoiding any instinctive reaction to Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the U.K. Instead, the couple is said to be privately observing the situation before deciding whether anything changes between the estranged brothers.
The cautious approach reportedly stems from years of unresolved hurt, with one source claiming there remains a “deep sense of betrayal.”
According to People, William and Kate are taking a decidedly measured approach to Harry and Meghan’s return to the U.K. The Sussexes arrived back home with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet on August 26.
A source close to the Prince and Princess of Wales claimed the couple has no intention of reacting to the development immediately. “They are watching this space. It’s private, they don’t feel the need to say anything or demonstrate anything outwardly,” the source shared.
Harry and Meghan have been living primarily in California for six years and are now expected to spend an extended period in Britain. Their children are also set to begin school in the U.K., making this a fairly more substantial visit than the family’s previous ones.
This increased proximity has inevitably raised questions on how this can influence the repair of the fractured relationship between the brothers William and Harry.
A ‘Deep Sense Of Betrayal’ Reportedly Still Stands In The Way
While having Harry back in Britain removes the physical distance that separated the brothers for years, insiders suggest the emotional distance remains ever present. The source told the outlet that any possible reconciliation between both parties “Will be a slow build,” before adding, “There is a deep sense of betrayal.”
The comment comes after years of public tension between the Sussexes and the royal family following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step down as senior working royals back in 2020.
Their relationship with William and Kate reportedly deteriorated further after a series of highly publicized revelations. This includes the Sussexes’ interview with Oprah, their Netflix documentary, and “Spare,” Harry’s memoir.
In the memoir, Harry made several claims involving his older brother, including an allegation of things turning physical between them at some point. It has been years since then, but the latest reports suggest William and Kate have not moved on from the fallout.
The possibility of an immediate reconciliation between the brothers also appears unlikely given more insider reports regarding them from sources who know the brothers.
One insider described their bond as “so broken,” while another source stated, “I thought it would have perhaps eased a little bit by now, to be honest. But there has been no movement, especially on William’s side. There has been no contact.”
This appears consistent with William’s public response since Harry returned. The Blast previously reported on the Prince of Wales’ notable silence about his brother’s return to Britain.
The brothers were last reportedly in the same room back in August 2024. This was during the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, which they both attended. Reports from the service claimed they sat apart and were not seen interacting.
On his part, however, Harry has made it clear that he would like to repair his relationship with his family. During a BBC interview in May 2025, he publicly called for reconciliation. According to him, there was “no point in continuing to fight anymore.”
Harry’s UK Return Could Make Their Estrangement Harder To Ignore
For years, William and Harry could largely continue their separate lives due to their living on different continents. Now, the Sussexes’ return has largely eliminated that geographical separation.
While there has been no public sign of a reunion between the brothers, Harry has made some progress in another important royal relationship. During a visit to the U.K in July, Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet spent time with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House.
The reunion reportedly marked the first time in over four years that Charles had seen the Duchess and both children in person.
King Charles Reportedly Hopes His Sons Will Eventually Reconcile
Although William may remain hesitant, their father reportedly hopes his sons will bury the hatchet and repair their relationship.
A source speaking with the outlet said that King Charles “will want to see his sons together over time. This is the best opportunity we have seen in recent years.” However, whether the brothers will take advantage of the opportunity remains unclear.
For now, the Prince and Princess of Wales appear content to watch how the Sussexes’ new chapter in Britain will unfold.
