Prince William warned he ‘can’t avoid’ Prince Harry’s UK visit | Royal | News

Prince William has been warned that he “can’t really avoid” the renewed interest in Prince Harry’s return to the UK, despite reportedly trying to get his brother off his mind. The Duke of Sussex is expected to arrive in Britain in the coming days for a rare personal visit to mark the official one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.

There remains uncertainty about whether Meghan Markle and the couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will join him. It is now understood that Harry will visit London alone.

The trip has fueled fresh speculation about whether Harry could meet King Charles, as the duke continues his efforts to repair his relationship with his father after years of separation. However, a reunion with Prince William is thought to be unlikely due to ongoing tensions between the brothers.

Accordingly of the mirror Royal editor Russell Myers said the relationship between William and Harry was “the worst it has ever been” and that the Prince of Wales was deeply hurt by allegations Harry has made against the Royal Family in recent years.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes William is deliberately focusing on his own family and royal duties rather than dwelling on disagreements with his younger brother, but says Harry’s latest visit has inevitably brought the issue back to the fore.

“I think William is working hard to get Harry off his mind so he can focus on his family and work,” Bond told the Mirror. “But now, given all the headlines and speculation surrounding the visit, there’s really no way he can avoid it. Schools are closed today, so William and his family can probably shelter in place away from all the chaos.”

Bond said he did not expect the brothers to meet during Harry’s visit, but suggested any reunion between the Duke and King Charles could eventually help pave the way for reconciliation within the wider family.

“I think it’s too early to predict any meetings between the brothers,” he said. “But if the visit goes ahead and the children meet the King, this could possibly be the beginning of a thaw between William and Harry. But I wouldn’t bet on it.”

He added that trust remains the biggest obstacle to repairing the relationship: “Trust is still a huge issue for William, who is a very private man. He is also a very protective, loving husband who was angered by the insults and accusations the Sussexes leveled at Catherine. I’m not sure he will find a way to forgive his brother for that.”

Bond also believes that despite their soured relationship, William may sympathize with Harry over the long-running dispute over security arrangements.

“William must certainly be paying attention to the controversy over Harry’s safety. He was unlikely to escape it,” he said. “I would think there would be some room for him to sympathize with his brother. He knows how important it is to protect your family.”

He added: “Like me, he may wonder why the decision was made not to ensure the safety of Harry and his family for such a short period of time. But frankly it is a decision he cannot and will not be involved in.”

Looking ahead, Bond believes King Charles would welcome any opportunity for his sons to improve their relationship, but said the decision was ultimately up to William.

“No doubt the King would love to see his sons mend the rift between them,” he said. “Remember how Harry claimed he begged them not to make his father’s final years miserable? I think Catherine is peaceful by nature, but she also knows that William can be incredibly stubborn.”

He concluded: “In the end, it will be up to William to decide whether he wants to make amends with his brother. I think it might start with the odd text or birthday card one day. But as I said, the important factor here is trust. And for now, I don’t think William trusts Harry or Meghan.”