Prince William’s three children are almost certainly aware of the fractured relationship between their father and uncle Prince Harry, according to a royal expert. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams reflects on how Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, given their age, are dealing with the tensions that have defined the Sussexes in recent years. The comments come amid reports that William and Harry have not spoken for more than three years, showing no signs of closing the rift between the brothers.According to the Daily Express, Fitzwilliams said the children would certainly be aware of the situation. “Then they would no doubt have heard about Harry and it’s likely they’ve known or read that there are serious issues with his uncle, not to mention Aunt Meghan,” he told the outlet. “We understand that William has not spoken to Harry for over three years and the rift remains deep.”
What experts have to say about how kids might be navigating the situation
Fitzwilliams noted that the children were very young when Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals in early 2020, with George, Charlotte and Louis aged six, four and one at the time. Although they were young then, they are now old enough to make their own understanding of the situation.“When you’re very young and you’re aware that there are family issues, there are just things that don’t touch,” she said. “Uncle Harry’s subject might be one of them.”He also admitted that the children probably carry fond memories of their uncle. “I think it’s probably impossible not to hear about him. As we can see when he participates in some charity events, he’s really good with kids,” Fitzwilliams said.
The influence of cousins Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
Beyond the relationship between the Welsh children and their uncle, sources suggest Harry is acutely aware that his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are growing up without the extended family network that their cousins enjoy. “Archie and Lili are having a great time in California, but Harry is very sad that they have lost their lives with the rest of the family,” a source told the Daily Mail. “Harry feels that his children are missing out on the extended family network that their cousins are enjoying,” the insider added.King Charles III has also had limited time with Archie and Lilibet in the years since Harry and Meghan moved to America. “From Charles’ point of view, it’s about mending his relationship with Harry and building his relationship with his grandchildren,” a source told the Examiner. “In that sense he is very motivated.”
William expressed anger at Prince Harry’s comments
Tensions are said to have escalated further after Harry publicly said he was concerned that his younger niece and nephew were playing second fiddle to their older brother. An insider told In Touch that William was furious at the suggestion. “William is very protective of his wife and children, dragging Harry into his doom and gloom narrative raises his hackles,” the source said.Reports have also suggested that Harry and Meghan have complained that their children do not have the same benefits as their cousins, something which is said to have further aggravated the Prince of Wales. “Hearing his brother complaining about his kids having more access to family benefits really turned William on,” an insider said. “Harry has only himself to blame for the situation. They will be in for a rude awakening if they believe William will back down and allow his wife and their children to be dragged into the chaos.“
