When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step away from the Royal Family in February of 2021, the announcement provoked a wide range of emotions in the UK.
For Harry's brother, Prince William, there was both anger and relief at the fact that they'd be moving to the USA.
The exact emotions felt by Prince William and Kate Middleton have been revealed in an excerpt from Kati Nicholl's new book, 'The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth's Legacy and the Future of the Crown'.
"For Charles and William, the situation with the Sussexes hasn't just been hurtful and upsetting on a personal level," Nicholl wrote.
"There have been real repercussions, particularly for William, whose young family has been thrust into the spotlight prematurely.
"He always expected Harry would be his wingman; there was a
long-term plan in place for the brothers to work together and support one
another.
"After Harry announced their departure, William
summoned aides to address the future, in what has been referred to by some
in William's circle as the 'Anmer Summit', but William and Kate also felt a
sense of relief, that 'the drama was gone' when Harry and Meghan left, as a
source told me.
"To this day, William still cannot forgive his brother."
What is the relationship like between Prince William and Prince Harry?
In her book, Nicholl also wonders what the future will be like
for the brothers and how their relationship will evolve.
"The
brothers' estrangement also threatens to cast a shadow over Charles's reign
and possibly William's," the book continues.
"Charles knows his
public reputation could suffer if he is seen to be turning his back on his
youngest son.
"Those close to Charles say he won't stop trying to heal the
rift with his son, as he made sure Harry and Meghan were by the family's
side at the Queen's funeral."
There could, therefore, be a path
towards forgiveness and towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle becoming
closer once more with their family. Perhaps the death of Queen Elizabeth II
will serve to bring them all together.
