Future king’s Earthshot Prize appointment seen as pointed snub amid deepening brotherly divide
Prince William has made what royal experts are calling a “permanent” statement in his ongoing feud with Prince Harry—one that signals a further closing of the door on reconciliation between the estranged brothers.
The Prince of Wales, still reportedly hurt and angered by the revelations in Harry’s memoir Spare, has appointed Jason Knauf—the former aide who accused Meghan Markle of bullying staff—as CEO of his signature initiative, The Earthshot Prize.
Knauf, who once served as the Sussexes' private secretary, became a controversial figure after playing a key role in internal allegations against Meghan. His new high-profile role within William’s environmental project is being widely interpreted as a symbolic snub to Harry and Meghan.
“This move will infuriate Harry and Meghan,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. “It is impossible to avoid feeling that this is precisely what William intended.”
Fitzwilliams added that the choice reflects William’s indifference toward his brother’s feelings. “William is clearly showing he doesn’t care about what his brother thinks, much less Meghan,” he said, adding that the rift “seems permanent.”
The decision comes as Prince Harry awaits the outcome of his legal battle in the UK over security arrangements. The Duke of Sussex has argued that his life is at risk without police protection and recently attended two days of court hearings in London. His legal team is said to be “cautiously optimistic” ahead of the ruling expected in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, speculation continues that Princess Kate has tried to act as a quiet mediator between the brothers. But with public gestures growing more pointed, experts suggest the path to reconciliation is growing ever narrower.
