Prince Harry and Prince William have always enjoyed a close bond. Now sources close to the brothers believe that relationship will never be the same.
There's no denying that the relationship between the two brothers has been through a lot. Much of the strain in their relationship has been dismissed as tabloid fodder by palace officials. Despite that, there are some cracks that have presented publicly that are undeniable. Just this Monday, royal fans noticed William and Kate giving Harry and Meghan the cold shoulder at the Commonwealth Day service.
Harry and Meghan have concluded their appearances as senior royals. The transition is not complete until the end of the month, however. Harry remains in the UK until then, although Meghan has returned to Canada to take care of 10-month-old son Archie.
While some see this as an opportunity for Harry to smooth things over with the family and vice versa, reports indicate that he's looking ahead to his, Archie, and Meghan's future.
Prince Harry and Prince William's brotherly relationship has endured a lot of strain in recent years. It reportedly began with William sharing concerns that Harry and Meghan's relationship was moving too fast. Harry didn't heed the advice and moved forward with his plans to marry her.
From the looks of things, it does appear that Harry and William tried to make the most of things with their wives included. Harry and Meghan's decision to gradually forge their own path, which began with their separation from William and Kate's household, changed things. As Harry looks to spending more time abroad, sources close to the two doubt things will ever be the same.
One source told People magazine they believe the relationship between the brothers has been "forever changed."
"They won’t get back to the way they were. Harry is looking straight ahead at his future with his family."
Harry's plans for the future center on himself, Meghan, and 10-month-old Archie. The source claims the couple will split the majority of their time between California and Canada. "He’s not looking back," the source noted.
The idea of the two not sharing the close relationship they once did is hard for royal fans. They watched the boys bond together at ages 15 and 12 after the death of their mother. The source says that Diana's wish was that they would always stay close.
"One thing Diana said was, ‘Please, whatever happens, remember you always have each other, and I want you always to stick together.’ And clearly that can’t happen for a long time," royal biographer Ingrid Seward claims. She knew Princess Diana well.
You could see the strain between the two brothers at this week's Commonwealth Day service. Harry and Meghan were seated first. When Meghan tried to greet William and Kate as they arrived at their seats, the two appeared to snub her and Harry.
Harry and Meghan were behind William and Kate as the procession out of the church occurred. The couples didn't interact at all. They didn't even appear to say goodbye to each other.
"They are on different paths now," a source previously noted. "It’s just the reality of the situation."
As part of the transition deal, Harry will no longer have his official military appointments. "That’s 10 years of his life that he gave to serve his country, and he basically has to give it away now because he’s choosing to protect his family," the source explains.
Harry's strong connection to the military and to veterans makes it clear why this is heartbreaking for him.
G.I. Jane screenwriter Danielle Alexandra met the couple at the Endeavour Fund Awards. This was Harry's final military-related appearance. She noted, "I was very moved when Harry said he knew the soldiers had his back, and that he would always have theirs."
Harry fought back tears as he and Meghan were greeted with a standing ovation at the event. "It was really an incredible moment," the source said of the clearly emotional situation. "It meant a lot to Harry."
It was evident that Meghan understood the gravity of the situation and what it meant to her husband. She was spotted holding Harry's hand throughout the night in support. "Deep down they are truly in love with each other, and what you see is truly who they are," the source said.
Harry and Meghan are following their own true north to the life they want for themselves and their son. That decision has not been without its complications and sacrifices. While many wonder how this all will affect the royal family at large, it's hard to ignore how this is already affecting a man who has endured so much to get to a place of happiness and peace.
