Prince William and the rest of the Royal Family have reportedly chosen to remain silent in response to Prince Harry’s repeated demands for an apology, according to royal expert Rebecca English. This decision, characterized as a strategic move, marks the latest development in the ongoing rift between the two brothers.
Sources close to Prince Harry have claimed that the Duke of Sussex will not consider a return to the royal fold unless he receives a formal apology from his estranged brother, Prince William. However, the Royal Family appears unfazed by this ultimatum and has adopted a stance of non-engagement, neither publicly addressing Harry’s demands nor acknowledging them in private.
Rebecca English, a veteran royal correspondent, has weighed in on the family’s approach, stating that Prince William has effectively “called Harry’s bluff” by refusing to react. This deliberate silence from the future king and the broader Royal Family contrasts sharply with the more vocal public statements Harry has made since his departure from royal duties alongside his wife, Meghan Markle.
“They haven’t reacted to any of his demands or his threats, either publicly or privately. I mean, they pretty much have ignored the fact that Spare had been published,” English explained. The royal memoir, Spare, which was released in January 2023, detailed Harry’s grievances with several members of the Royal Family, particularly Prince William and King Charles. The book, widely discussed in the media, unveiled intimate family conflicts and deepened the divisions within the royal ranks.
English believes that the Royal Family’s decision to remain silent is the “right approach” in handling the ongoing tension. In her view, responding to Prince Harry’s accusations could further exacerbate the situation. “It’s like, don’t listen, don’t make a fuss, don’t give in to it. Just let it through, and it’ll blow away, and harmony will restore itself,” she added.
The strained relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry has been a topic of public discussion for several years. The brothers, once considered close, have grown increasingly distant, with their relationship deteriorating since Harry’s exit from royal duties in 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s relocation to California and their subsequent interviews, docuseries, and book have only deepened the rift.
In Spare, Harry not only chronicled his experiences within the Royal Family but also leveled several accusations against his brother. He recounted incidents that painted Prince William as antagonistic, even revealing a physical altercation between the two. Harry’s portrayal of his brother and other close family members in the book stirred significant media attention, adding to the already strained dynamics between them.
Despite the revelations and Harry’s calls for reconciliation, the Royal Family’s strategy has been to avoid public confrontations.
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This tactic, as described by English, aligns with their belief that addressing the issue could lead to a media frenzy, detracting from their focus on royal duties and the future of the monarchy. The family, she suggests, is taking a long-term view, hoping that the media storm surrounding Harry’s grievances will eventually die down.
The most recent sign of estrangement between the brothers came when they attended the funeral of their uncle, but reportedly avoided any contact. Their mutual coldness at this event underscored the depth of the divide between them, with no indication of reconciliation in sight. According to reports, Harry and William have not spoken for months and currently have no plans to re-establish contact.
While Prince Harry has made it clear that an apology is a prerequisite for any potential reconciliation, the Royal Family’s silence suggests they are unwilling to meet these demands.
The decision to refrain from engaging with Harry’s public statements may be an attempt to shield the monarchy from further scrutiny or damage. By refusing to acknowledge the conflict, the family appears to be signaling that they are focused on their own responsibilities and will not be drawn into a public dispute.
As the rift continues, it remains to be seen whether Prince Harry and Prince William will ever reconcile. For now, the Royal Family seems content to let silence do the talking.
