A former royal staffer has claimed that Prince William is carefully navigating rumored crisis talks with Prince Harry as tensions between the brothers continue to simmer. The ex-staffer also hinted at who might serve as a mediator in the ongoing rift between Harry, William, and King Charles.
This year has been particularly challenging for the Prince of Wales, with King Charles and Kate Middleton both facing cancer diagnoses. During this difficult time, William has found comfort and support from his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Zara Tindall, even as he has had to take on an increased workload. Meanwhile, his strained relationship with Harry has played out in the public eye.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold revealed that Beatrice and other senior members of the royal family have rallied around William. “Beatrice is very close with both William and Harry,” Harrold shared. “Their relationship is fun and natural. It’s never changed. They always have a lot of jokes together and can have a laugh.”
“They’re friends, and that’s what’s nice about it. They’re cousins, but they’re close and have each other’s backs. They do spend a lot of time together,” he added.
Harrold believes that Beatrice “could act as a peacemaker for Harry, William, and Charles.” He explained, “She would be someone to initiate peace in the family. She’s close to both William and Harry, as well as the King — and they trust her. It would be her out of anyone else, but she wouldn’t want to be too involved”, told The Express.
“I have no doubt she would have spoken to the two brothers at some point to try to improve the situation,” he continued.
Harrold, who served the royal family for seven years between 2004 and 2011, also suggested that Harry and William might be engaging in private talks to address their differences. “You’d like to think this time would bring William and Harry closer, but we don’t really know what’s going on behind closed doors,” he said. “They may well be discussing things and communicating, but it’s very difficult. I have no doubt there will be some kind of communication between the brothers, and between Harry and his father.”
“Of course, a lot has happened, and a lot has to be resolved and sorted out. This may well be on track, but it may not have even been addressed yet,” Harrold concluded.