The fractured relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry, long a subject of speculation, reportedly began far earlier than many royal watchers have assumed. Contrary to the publicized timeline, which often references the fallout from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2019 and 2021 interviews, evidence suggests that the brothers’ relationship deteriorated well before these high-profile events.
In the 2019 ITV documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, Prince Harry first hinted at a rift with his elder brother. His comments, “Part of this role and part of this job, and this family, being under the pressure that it’s under, inevitably, you know, stuff happens,” were perceived as an acknowledgment of a strained relationship. However, according to royal author Robert Lacey’s book Battle of the Brothers, the discord between the siblings began much earlier.
Lacey’s account reveals that the brothers’ falling out can be traced back to October 2018, shortly after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. This revelation shifts the narrative, suggesting that the seeds of discord were sown before Meghan’s high-profile public appearances and subsequent interviews. This period marked a pivotal shift, as internal palace tensions began to manifest more openly.
The crux of the rift appears to be related to the bullying allegations made against Meghan Markle. Robert Lacey’s book details that Prince William was informed of claims that Meghan had bullied several staff members. Following a failed attempt to resolve the situation through direct conversation, William reportedly decided to distance himself from Harry. According to Lacey, a Kensington Palace courtier described Meghan as “a complete narcissist and sociopath — basically unhinged,” reflecting the deep-seated frustration and disappointment felt by those within the palace.
These bullying allegations, which came to light in March 2021, had significant repercussions. The Times reported that a complaint against Meghan was lodged in October 2018, detailing claims that Meghan had mistreated her staff, including driving two personal assistants out of the household. This complaint reportedly led to a series of high-stakes communications between the Sussexes and palace officials, with Harry allegedly pleading with his brother not to pursue the allegations further.
Despite Meghan’s vehement denial of the bullying claims, describing them as a “calculated smear campaign,” the damage to her relationship with the royal family was profound. The timeline of these events suggests that the rift between William and Harry was more entrenched than previously acknowledged, indicating that the roots of their discord were firmly planted before the public became fully aware.
As the royal family continues to navigate the aftermath of these revelations, the early seeds of this rift offer a deeper understanding of the complex and evolving dynamics within the British monarchy. The situation remains a poignant reminder of the challenges and intricacies involved in maintaining familial and public relationships within such a high-profile institution.
