Prince William and Prince Harry’s relationship is currently non-existent. The brothers, who were once inseparable, have faced numerous challenges throughout their lives, especially after the tragic loss of their mother, Princess Diana.
However, their bond has been strained even further following Harry and Meghan’s royal exit. Despite all of this, new letters written by Princess Diana have provided insight into what could have been for the two brothers.
A Loving Childhood
Prince William and Prince Harry had a unique childhood. Their mother, Princess Diana, strived to give them a sense of normalcy, even within the confines of royal life. While they lived with certain privileges, Diana made sure that they also experienced everyday joys.
In 2017, on the 20th anniversary of Diana’s passing, the two brothers publicly spoke about their mother and the profound love she had for them. Their conversation highlighted the special bond they shared.
“When everybody says ‘she was funny, give us an example,’ all I can hear is her laugh,” Harry fondly remembered. He also described how she would sneak sweets into her socks after watching them play football, creating a sense of fun and mischief.
Their adoration for their mother was mutual. “We felt incredibly loved by her, and I’m very grateful that the love still feels there,” William expressed. Despite being physically apart, the love between Diana and her sons remained palpable.
A Glimpse into Their Childhood Bond
Little is known about the ordinary aspects of William and Harry’s childhood. However, recently discovered letters written by Princess Diana shed light on their relationship and the bond they shared.
One letter, written in 1985 just six months after Harry’s birth, reveals William’s deep affection for his younger brother. “William adores his little brother and spends the entire time pouring an endless supply of hugs and kisses over Harry,” Diana wrote.
Other letters mentioned Harry’s mischief at school and Diana’s joy in being a mother. Despite the challenges they faced, such as royal duties and responsibilities, Diana made sure that William and Harry experienced a semblance of normal childhood.
One of the ways Diana achieved this was by taking them to theme parks and indulging in fast food outings. According to her former personal chef, Darren McGrady, she even took them to McDonald’s, not for the burgers, but because her sons loved the Happy Meal toys.
Coping with Tragedy
Tragedy struck the royal family when Princess Diana passed away in 1997. Harry, in his book Spare, recounts the heartbreaking moment when he learned about his mother’s death.
His father, Prince Charles, gently broke the news to him, saying, “Darling boy, Mummy’s been in a car crash. She was quite badly injured and taken to the hospital… I’m afraid she didn’t make it.”
The loss of their mother was a devastating blow, and the grief was all-encompassing. Harry vividly remembers the public mourning and the difficult task of walking behind Diana’s coffin during the funeral procession. The young princes were only 12 and 15 years old at the time.
Reflecting on that event years later, Harry expressed his belief that no child should have been asked to endure such a public display of grief. He criticized the decision to have them walk behind the coffin, stating that it wouldn’t happen in today’s world.
Strained Relations
In recent years, the rift between William and Harry has intensified, particularly after Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties. Harry’s book Spare delves into their strained relationship, revealing a physical altercation between the two brothers.
The incident occurred at Harry’s London home in 2019. In his book, Harry recounts how William confronted him, speaking disparagingly about Meghan. The confrontation escalated, leading to a physical struggle where William ripped Harry’s necklace and knocked him to the floor.
While the true extent of their current relationship is not clear, it is evident that their brotherly bond has suffered greatly. The public hopes that one day they will be able to reconcile and heal the wounds that have been inflicted on their relationship.
It is undeniable that the absence of their mother, Princess Diana, has had a profound impact on the brothers. Perhaps, if she were still alive, she would be able to bridge the divide and bring them back together.
In the meantime, we continue to hope for healing and reconciliation within the royal family. Let us honor Princess Diana’s memory by cherishing the love she instilled in her sons and by sharing this article with fellow royal enthusiasts.
