The strained relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry is reportedly at its lowest point yet, following the Duke of Sussex’s renewed criticism of the royal family during his BBC interview in June.
While a recent “peace summit” between Harry and King Charles’s aides had sparked hopes of reconciliation, insiders claim William is not ready to welcome his brother back.
According to sources, Kate Middleton is particularly worried that William’s alleged plan to strip Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children of their HRH titles could cause irreparable damage to the brothers’ relationship.
Talks at Balmoral Raise Tough Questions
The royal family is said to have addressed the monarchy’s future during their annual summer retreat at Balmoral. A source told Heat World, “William feels the monarchy has to move forward with a smaller, tighter unit. He believes that means phasing out Harry and Meghan completely and stripping away their last traces of royal privilege, including their HRH titles and their children’s titles.”
The insider added that while Kate supports her husband’s vision, she remains conflicted: “Kate adores her husband and supports his vision, but she’s torn. She’s always been the peacemaker and doesn’t want William’s decisions to burn bridges with Harry forever. She worries William might regret going too far… If the decision is to cut Harry out completely, she knows there’s no coming back from that.”
Kate’s Emotional Concerns
Middleton is described as “deeply emotional” over how Harry would react if his titles were removed. The source said, “She worries about Harry and can’t help feeling a real pang of sadness. No matter how fractured things have become, he’s still William’s brother. Harry already hates that his kids are excluded, especially from Balmoral.”
The insider also revealed that Kate has long tried to keep communication lines open with Harry, and she fears this move could permanently close the door. William, however, appears firm in his outlook. “He sees a future where it’s him, Kate, their kids, and a handful of working royals. Harry and Meghan just don’t fit into that vision anymore,” the source explained.
William’s Vision of a Slimmed-Down Monarchy
When William eventually takes the throne, he reportedly intends to lead with a “slimmed-down monarchy.” The insider explained, “He wants to slim down the institution, focusing on his family and the next generation.”
Royal expert Richard Palmer has supported this view, writing in The i Paper that a smaller royal team would help reduce costs and reliance on taxpayer funds. He noted, “A smaller number of working royals doing fewer engagements should mean fewer staff – the couple [William and Middleton] currently employ 68, about half the number who worked for Charles at his peak as Prince of Wales.”
Future of Harry and Meghan’s Titles
Reports continue to suggest that William plans to strip Harry, Meghan, and their children of their HRH titles once he ascends the throne. A friend of the Prince of Wales told the Daily Beast, “He [William] obviously isn’t going to hire Archie and Lilibet… The idea that somehow having a vestigial HRH as a baby later entitles you to be a working royal is beyond parody, even for them.”
