Prince Harry has long been known as the more carefree and charismatic of the two royal brothers, a reputation that began in childhood.
Now, Ken Wharfe, a former Protection Officer for both Prince William and Prince Harry, has shared new insights into the dynamic between the brothers and the complex nature of their relationship.
In an exclusive interview on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Wharfe detailed the stark differences between the brothers, their childhood rivalry, and how Harry’s charm once overshadowed William’s.
Wharfe, who spent years protecting Harry, William, and their mother, the late Princess Diana, was quick to highlight the similarities between Harry and Diana.
He described Harry, now 40, as a “court jester,” always seeking popularity and eager to entertain. “Yes, they’re both entertainers,” Wharfe confirmed when asked if he recognized similarities between Harry and his late mother.
This sense of humor and eagerness to please made Harry more popular as a child compared to his older brother, William.
Wharfe recalled, “Harry was always the court jester as a child. Part of the problem with him and his brother was that William was somewhat jealous of his popularity.”
The revelation that William may have felt overshadowed by Harry’s charm adds another layer to the strained relationship between the brothers.
As the heir to the throne, William’s role in the royal family has always been serious and duty-bound, while Harry’s more relaxed demeanor seemed to attract attention and affection from those around him, much like their mother.
Wharfe also touched on Princess Diana’s personality, emphasizing how she enjoyed being in the spotlight and was adored for her sense of humor and generosity.
“But like his mother, she liked to be entertained, she liked to be popular,” Wharfe explained, drawing parallels between Diana’s love for attention and Harry’s early knack for captivating those around him.
In 2020, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, made headlines worldwide when they stepped down as working royals and relocated to California.
The couple now resides in a luxurious Montecito mansion with their two children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. Their neighbors include A-list celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Gwyneth Paltrow.
While Harry enjoyed immense popularity in the UK before his departure, his move to the U.S. and the couple’s decision to become financially independent from the monarchy changed the public’s perception of him.
According to Wharfe, Harry’s charm and popularity were undeniable before the fallout, and at one point, he was even more popular than the Queen herself.
Wharfe stated, “Prior to Megxit, he was more popular than the Queen. He has a style that’s so unique.”
However, Harry’s plans to split his time between the UK and the U.S. didn’t go as he had hoped.
Wharfe explained that Harry’s desire to “do six months in and six months out” as a working royal was ultimately denied by the Queen.
“It hasn’t worked out like that because the Queen wouldn’t allow that,” Wharfe said.
Despite his dip in popularity since moving to California, Wharfe believes Harry still has potential to contribute to the monarchy.
“He’s still got something to offer. It’s a question of how he puts it together with his wife and family, to see if he can achieve some sort of comeback.”
As speculation continues about Harry’s future with the British monarchy, Wharfe acknowledged that there might be a path for Harry to return, but it’s uncertain how that would unfold.
“Is there a slot for him? I don’t know, I think we’ve got to wait and see what happens,” Wharfe shared.
Despite Harry’s personal challenges and the growing tensions within the royal family, Wharfe emphasized that many still praise Harry for his personality and character, likening him to Diana in that respect.
“People will say he’s actually very fun to be with, he’s very good in meetings, he’s always mindful and careful of how he speaks to his staff, which was a classic Diana. She was very generous, she was a gift giver, Harry is exactly the same. I do see similarities,” Wharfe said.
Unfortunately, the relationship between Harry and William, which had been fraying for years, only worsened after Harry and Meghan’s infamous 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
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During the interview, Harry and Meghan shared shocking details about their time as senior royals, including Meghan’s claim that Kate Middleton had made her cry over a disagreement about bridesmaid dresses before her wedding to Harry in 2018.
The interview deepened the rift between the brothers, who reportedly have not spoken since.
In August, both Harry and William attended the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, but eyewitnesses noted that the two kept their distance and did not interact during the somber event.
Wharfe’s comments paint a picture of two brothers whose relationship has been fraught with tension for years, exacerbated by public scrutiny and personal differences.
While Harry remains popular with some for his outgoing personality, his decision to leave the royal family and his public criticism of the monarchy have left lasting scars on his relationship with William.
As Prince Harry continues to build his life in California with Meghan and their children, questions remain about whether he will ever reconcile with William and the rest of the royal family.
Ken Wharfe’s reflections offer a glimpse into the complicated dynamics at play, with Harry’s desire for independence clashing with the traditional expectations of the monarchy.
For now, it seems that the brothers are on separate paths, with no clear resolution in sight.
Still, Wharfe’s comments suggest that Harry’s innate charm, much like his mother’s, could eventually help heal the wounds, but it will take time and effort from both sides.
As Wharfe noted, “We’ve got to wait and see what happens.”
