Prince William’s birthday message to Prince Harry on his 40th birthday is “not an olive branch,” according to royal commentator Michael Cole. Despite public well-wishes from both King Charles and William, Cole warns against interpreting these gestures as a step toward reconciliation.
"The big surprise today is that the Prince and Princess of Wales extended birthday greetings to Harry, something that hasn’t happened for at least two years," Cole explained. However, he emphasized that this was “definitely not an olive branch,” adding that the brothers remain “at war.” Cole described the gesture as simply a matter of “doing the right thing” rather than an effort to mend the fractured relationship.
The birthday wishes, which included a photo of Harry, have drawn attention as such public acknowledgments are typically reserved for working royals. Despite these gestures, sources suggest Harry’s attempts to reach out to his father and brother have gone unanswered, and a reconciliation seems unlikely under current circumstances.
The rift between Harry and his family has deepened since he stepped down from royal duties in 2020, with tensions most recently highlighted during Queen Elizabeth's passing and King Charles' coronation.
