In a bombshell revelation that’s reigniting royal debate, experts now claim the late Princess Diana believed her younger son, Prince Harry, would have made a better king than Prince William. The insight into Diana’s private thoughts has stunned royal watchers—and stirred questions about what could have been had fate taken a different turn.
According to royal biographer Robert Jobson, Princess Diana affectionately referred to Harry as “GKH” – Good King Harry—a nickname that reveals how highly she regarded his leadership potential. Jobson made the revelation during Channel 5’s documentary William & Harry: Princes At War, suggesting Diana believed Harry had the heart, charisma, and resilience needed for the throne.
“She used to refer to Harry as GKH,” Jobson said. “Because she thought he’d probably be better equipped for the role in the future than William.”
The statement has rocked the royal community, given that Prince William is not only first in line to the throne after King Charles but is already carrying out duties expected of a future monarch. While William has grown into a polished and duty-bound royal, Diana’s comments suggest she saw something in Harry that may have made him a more natural fit for the crown.
Adding to the intrigue, veteran broadcaster Jeremy Paxman recalled a candid conversation he once had with Diana, where she opened up about her sons’ attitudes toward their royal roles. “We talked about our children, and she said William often told her that he didn’t really want to be king,” Paxman revealed. “Then Harry would say, ‘If you don’t want the job, I’ll have it.’”
That light-hearted sibling exchange may have seemed like harmless banter at the time—but paired with Diana’s private nickname for Harry, it hints at deeper dynamics within the royal household. Diana, known for her warmth, empathy, and emotional intelligence, may have sensed early on that Harry’s personality—more spontaneous, more relatable—might connect more naturally with the public.
But destiny had other plans. While William dutifully remained within the Firm, Harry made a dramatic exit in 2020, stepping down as a senior royal alongside wife Meghan Markle.
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The couple moved to California and have since become outspoken critics of the monarchy, accusing the institution of racism and emotional neglect—allegations that shocked the world and fractured the family.
Despite their physical and emotional distance from the royal fold, Harry continues to make headlines. And now, this revelation from Diana’s past adds a dramatic twist to his story: the son who left the throne behind may have once been the one his mother secretly believed should have inherited it.
The contrast between the brothers couldn’t be more striking today. William, polished and steady, is preparing to become King after his father Charles. Harry, more rebellious and emotionally candid, is carving out a new life across the Atlantic.
Diana’s instincts—so often ahead of their time—have once again proven prophetic in many ways. While she couldn’t have foreseen the dramatic twists her sons’ lives would take, she clearly recognized early that the crown is more than just a title. It requires a unique mix of duty, empathy, and public connection—traits she may have seen more vividly in Harry.
Still, William’s transformation into a respected royal leader has been undeniable. And with Princess Kate by his side, many believe the monarchy is in steady hands. Yet this new glimpse into Diana’s private thoughts leaves a lingering question: what would the monarchy look like today if “Good King Harry” had actually taken the throne?
It’s a tantalizing “what if” that will no doubt fuel royal debate for years to come—and a reminder of how deeply Diana’s legacy still shapes the royal family’s future.
