Prince Harry’s once close relationship with Catherine, Princess of Wales, has reportedly deteriorated following the release of his memoir Spare nearly two years ago. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, Catherine is deeply "disappointed" by Harry’s decision to disclose private family matters in his book, a move seen as a violation of royal protocol.
In Spare and subsequent interviews, Harry criticised Catherine’s treatment of Meghan Markle, accusing her of “stereotyping” his wife and recounting a tense exchange over bridesmaids' dresses that left Meghan in tears. He also revealed that Catherine requested an apology after Meghan suggested she had “baby brain” following the birth of Prince Louis, and noted Catherine’s discomfort when Meghan borrowed her lip gloss.
Nicholl explained that these revelations have caused a complete breakdown in their relationship. “When you think of the personal revelations, and you can call them snide remarks made about Catherine in Spare, Harry broke the one rule of staying silent on family matters,” she told The Sun. “While Catherine and Harry used to be very, very close, there’s now a complete breakdown of that relationship.”
The strain between Harry and his older brother William also persists, as evidenced by their lack of interaction at a recent memorial service for their late uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes. The brothers reportedly did not speak or engage during the event, reflecting the ongoing tension.
Despite the strained dynamics, both King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales extended public birthday wishes to Harry on his 40th birthday earlier this month. The Royal Family’s official account shared a cheerful message on social media, which was later echoed by William and Catherine’s account, in a rare display of goodwill amid the ongoing family rift.
