Royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that Prince William’s reluctance to reconcile with his brother, Prince Harry, may be influenced by Meghan Markle, intensifying the ongoing rift within the British Royal Family. The estrangement, which began when Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020, continues to captivate global attention.
The brothers have not spoken for over two years, with tensions escalating after Harry and Meghan’s public projects, including their Netflix series, Harry’s memoir Spare, and revealing interviews. These disclosures, detailing intimate Royal Family matters, have been perceived as breaches of trust. Fordwich noted that Harry views criticism of Meghan as an “insult,” deepening the divide. Majesty editor Ingrid Seward echoed this, calling Meghan “the fly in the ointment” and citing her unpopularity among British monarchists for “damaging” the royal image.
Prince William and Prince Harry’s rift explained – it’s all about Meghan https://t.co/W0b95xC9yM pic.twitter.com/F9hv4qr0V3
— Page Six (@PageSix) August 20, 2025
Seward highlighted Meghan’s estrangement from her own family, noting that neither Harry, their son Prince Archie (6), nor daughter Princess Lilibet (4) have met Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Sr. This, combined with her public critiques of the Royal Family, has been described as a “black mark” on her reputation, further complicating reconciliation efforts.
In May 2025, Harry expressed hope for reconciliation with his family in a BBC News interview, reflecting on past events. However, William’s reluctance, as reported by experts, suggests significant hurdles remain. The ongoing feud continues to fuel public and media interest in the Royal Family’s dynamics.
As the rift persists, the possibility of reconciliation remains uncertain. Harry and Meghan’s life in the U.S. and their public ventures contrast with William’s royal duties, keeping the spotlight on their strained relationship. Only time will reveal if familial ties can be mended.