Table of Contents
Prince William and Prince Harry both suffered a loss in their childhood, and since then, there has been silent friction between them, even until King Charles’ III coronation. However, the boys individually conquered their fears, making it into adulthood through a series of their choices. The older royal grew to appreciate his role in the family. He embodied his duties as a first son and future King. One of his other roles has also been as a family man. Determined never to live his parents’ reality, Prince William latched himself to the immaculate Kate Middleton. Middleton, who enjoyed a close-knit family and prosperous marriage, was his perfect match. Together, the pair have replicated their happily ever after, including three kids.
Unlike Prince William, Prince Harry decided to fall in love and leave his duties behind. The Duke of Sussex married Meghan Markle, a one-time divorcee. Together, they created their magic. The pair decided that the royal life was not for them. Today, they are five thousand miles away from the British monarchy with their two kids.
Before leading different lives, the brothers experienced friction in their relationship. Prince Harry, who is younger, was rather eccentric and found it harder to cope as a royal. But his brother was quick to catch the drift. At first, it might have been viewed as his way of dealing with his mother’s loss, but it soon turned into something else.
Prince Harry’s thirst for the freedom Diana craved but did not live long enough to enjoy making him relinquish his duty. Unfortunately, he did it in a way that left many not so in shock but in anger, particularly his brother.
Let’s take a glide through the brothers’ relationship beginning from their dad’s coronation. Here are some difficult moments between Prince Harry and Prince William.
Prince Harry and Prince William Played Different Roles at King Charles’ Coronation
On May 6, royals from far and near convened at the Westminster Abbey in London. They honored the invitation for King Charles’ coronation, and the list included Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex flew from America without his family — wife or two kids.
Before the ceremony, royal biographer Andrew Morton predicted that the brothers would play very different roles. He explained that Prince William will occupy a central position and pledge loyalty to King Charles. As expected, the Prince of Wales was dressed in his full regalia, with his wife next to him. He played his role in the letter and had his children invested in theirs.
Ahead of the official coronation, Morton maintained that Prince Harry would not have a role like his brother. This is because he already has a non-position, thanks to bowing out from the family. It would have been an awkward and interesting watch for royal fans to see the pair act out their passions.
Prince Harry Considered Himself Plan B
Prince Harry has refused to stay mute about his experience as a royal, and it has affected his relationship with them. More recently, he made mind-blowing assertions in his “Spare.” In his tell-all book, the author hinted that everyone referred to him as “Spare.” He claimed that his parents and grandparents treated him as a plan B.
Prince Harry wrote that he realized that he was only born as a support to his older brother. His position was there to secure William’s in case of any unforeseen circumstances. In his words:
“I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B,” he writes. “I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy. I was summoned to provide back-up, distraction, diversion and, if necessary, a spare part. Kidney, perhaps. Blood transfusion. Speck of bone marrow. This was all made explicitly clear to me from the start of life’s journey and regularly reinforced thereafter.”
Prince William Did Not Want To Be Associated With The “Spare” Brother
Another aspect of Prince Harry’s “Spare” book spotlighted Prince William’s treatment of him as a teenager. When he enrolled in Eton school, his big brother wanted to keep his distance. According to the Duke of Sussex, William despised the idea of being called his brother. He was also embarrassed whenever their mom dressed them in matching outfits.
The Duke of Sussex Never Really Acted As A Protector
Maybe to his kids, yes, but to his younger brother, Prince William was a bit harsh, saying, “Spare.” His behavior also emphasized that he was more of the chosen one. Prince Harry recalled when he trained for combat. While he looked to his brother for help, Prince William only threw banters. During a rare joint interview, the Prince of Wales called him out for snoring and being a slob.
At the time, the younger Prince laughed it off. But growing older made him realize there might have been more to it. He accused the Palace of scuttling his plans during the training, “But the heir? No.”
The Duke of Cambridge and Kate Middleton’s Engagement Came As a Shock for The Duke of Sussex
King Charles’ younger son was unaware his brother was about to make a life-changing decision. Though Prince Harry knew of Prince William’s romance, he heard his engagement news in the papers. Apart from that, Prince William did not think he was worth the best man position at first. He had considered two other friends.
Most of these events occurred while they were still in the same living environment and during their younger years. However, they have etched a reminder in Prince Harry’s mind. Unfortunately, even sharing it has aggravated the tension between the brothers.