Prince William Sparks Outrage as Appearance with Jason Knauf Reignites Feud with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince William has found himself at the center of a storm after his appearance in Brazil alongside Jason Knauf sparked a furious backlash from supporters of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The photos from the Earthshot Prize event have reignited old tensions within the royal family and among fans who closely follow the rift between the brothers.
Jason Knauf, the former communications secretary to the Sussexes, remains one of the most controversial figures in their royal narrative. He is widely blamed by Meghan’s supporters for accusing her of bullying palace staff during her time as a working royal, an allegation she has always denied. His involvement in backing a newspaper’s defense during Meghan’s privacy lawsuit further damaged his reputation among the couple’s loyal base.
Now, seeing Knauf walking side by side with the Prince of Wales at such a high-profile event has reopened old wounds. Many online commentators described the scene as “a reward for betrayal,” accusing William of intentionally reigniting tensions with his estranged brother and sister-in-law.
“Why is Jason Knauf walking next to Prince William at the Earthshot function in Brazil? Shouldn’t he be behind the Prince?” one royal watcher wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Where is the Princess of Wales? This seems deliberately provocative.”
Another social media user compared the situation to the Sussexes’ public unity, writing, “When Meghan presented Harry at the Invictus Games, it was a beautiful and historic moment. Meanwhile, William walks with Jason Knauf while talking about the future. The contrast is striking.”
The controversy deepened when Buckingham Palace posted a photo of William sitting beside Knauf at the Earthshot event on the royal family’s official website. The move was seen as an unmistakable signal of loyalty toward William’s inner circle, even at the cost of inflaming tensions with Harry and Meghan.
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The timing of the Palace’s post could not be more sensitive. Reports had recently suggested that King Charles was taking steps toward reconciliation with Prince Harry after years of estrangement. During his last visit to the United Kingdom, Harry reportedly met his father at Clarence House for private talks, a gesture that fueled hopes of a potential thaw between father and son.
However, sources close to the royal household have suggested that Prince William remains “deeply cautious” about any reconciliation with Harry. The Prince of Wales is said to be still hurt by the personal accusations made against him in Harry’s memoir and his subsequent television interviews.
Royal commentators believe William’s decision to appear publicly with Knauf, a figure long despised by the Sussexes’ supporters, could be seen as a deliberate assertion of authority. “It’s William making it clear that he is in control now,” one palace insider noted. “He is showing the world that it’s his way or the highway.”
While King Charles may still be open to mending family ties, insiders claim that William is more focused on protecting the monarchy’s image and surrounding himself with trusted allies. “William has made up his mind about who he can rely on,” the source added. “That circle doesn’t include Harry or Meghan.”
The latest move has also cast fresh doubt over the future of any royal reconciliation. With William now taking a more assertive role on the global stage, and Meghan’s Hollywood comeback gaining momentum, the gulf between the brothers seems wider than ever.
As the royal family continues to navigate public scrutiny and private discord, one thing appears increasingly clear: the Palace’s loyalty lies firmly with the future king and his chosen team. For Harry and Meghan, the message could not be louder.
