Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, marked his 12th birthday on Monday—but the milestone also underscored the deepening divide within the House of Windsor.
As tributes poured in from royal supporters and Buckingham Palace shared heartfelt birthday wishes, many couldn’t help but notice the glaring silence from one important family member: Prince Harry.
Born on July 22, 2013, Prince George Alexander Louis was once at the center of a closely knit royal family. In those early days, his uncle Harry—then a beloved senior working royal—was often pictured beaming beside him, happily embracing his new role as the “fun uncle.”
Back then, Harry even joked about charging expensive babysitting fees and reportedly gifted George a toy SUV modeled after William’s and books about African wildlife to inspire a love of conservation, echoing Princess Diana’s values.
Insiders recall Harry’s warm presence during family holidays at Sandringham, especially at Christmas, where he’d join the young prince for games and laughter. George was said to light up around his cheeky uncle.
But those joyful moments now seem like memories of a different era. The once-adored uncle has become more of a distant figure as Harry’s relationship with the royal family continues to unravel.
Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s exit from royal duties in 2020 and their relocation to California, the family dynamic shifted dramatically. Once publicly united, the royal brothers have grown estranged—with William reportedly still deeply hurt by Harry’s public criticism and revelations.
Today, Prince George’s birthday serves as a quiet reminder of the cost of that divide. There’s been no public message from Prince Harry, raising questions about whether he even reached out privately to his nephew.
Adding to the tension are the recent reports of peace talks between King Charles and Harry, which Prince William is allegedly resisting. Sources claim William still feels protective of his wife, Princess Kate, following the perceived jabs in Harry and Meghan’s interviews and Netflix series.
This leaves Prince George caught in the middle—part of a new generation of royals, yet growing up without a close bond with the uncle who once doted on him.
Read More: Kate Middleton’s $36 Million Wimbledon Surprise Stuns Fashion World
Royal expert Jennie Bond told the press that the situation must be heartbreaking for King Charles, who is navigating a delicate path between two feuding sons. For George, who is being groomed for future leadership, such fractured family ties may already be shaping his perception of what loyalty and legacy look like.
Some royal commentators believe Harry may have sent a private message to George, away from media attention. But without confirmation from the palace or the Sussex camp, the public is left guessing.
The absence of a public gesture from Harry is being interpreted by many as another signal of the lingering tension that still grips the royal household—especially during family-centric events like birthdays.
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton and Prince William released a new photo of George to mark the occasion, showcasing his growing maturity and confidence. Taken by Kate herself, the image portrays a boy very much aware of his royal future.
Supporters praised the image, but others couldn’t ignore the undercurrent of family drama. Social media was quick to point out that George’s formative years are passing without the close connection he once had with his uncle.
As Prince George steps into adolescence, the question remains: Will his relationship with Harry ever be repaired, or will the royal rift continue to grow wider with each passing milestone?
For now, George’s 12th birthday highlights not just the growth of a future king, but also the fading bond with a once-beloved uncle—one that many hope might one day be restored.
