Prince Harry Seeks Royal Reconciliation, But William Stands Firm
Prince Harry has reportedly extended an olive branch to the British royal family, offering to return part-time to royal duties as his father King Charles III faces health issues. However, his brother Prince William remains unmoved, blocking any chance of a reconciliation.
Harry Positioning Himself as Peacemaker
According to royal expert Tom Quinn, Harry sees himself as a mediator able to soothe tensions. Emboldened by his wife Meghan Markle, Harry believes he can heal rifts with his family.
“Harry likes to see himself as good in a crisis, as a peacemaker – the whole Meghan and Harry project has been to some extent built on the idea that Meghan and Harry can soothe the world’s troubles,” Quinn explained.
Ego and Sensitivity Issues Remain
However, Quinn cautioned that Harry’s peacemaking efforts are likely short-lived. “It might be wild egotistical self-aggrandisement but Meghan has encouraged Harry to think he can change the world for the better so he is now convinced that he can be big enough and mature enough to heal the rifts with his family. But this will only last until the over-sensitive Harry feels he is once again being treated as the spare.”
William Not Swayed
According to one of Prince William’s friends, William remains unconvinced of Harry’s sincerity. “Having enjoyed huge publicity for creating family rifts he [Harry] now wants to enjoy huge publicity for being the family peacemaker. But it just won’t wash. No one is going to fall for it.”
For now, at least, no royal reconciliation appears imminent. Harry’s desire to play peacemaker is met with suspicion rather than open arms. With William unwilling to budge, the chasm between the once-close brothers shows no signs of lessening.