Just a few hours after the Princess of Wales’s video was released last Friday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued their simple and compassionate public message of support. Soon, we also heard that Harry and Meghan had “reached out” to Prince William and Kate privately. I tried to track down which outlet had that information first, or whether the “contacted privately” line was simply a mass assumption, mostly by British media. Someone said it, but I could not find one original citation. We also know that Harry is likely to visit England in May for some kind of church service for the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games, and perhaps Meghan will join him, who knows. So, obviously, the British media put those two stories together and spent the weekend claiming that Harry and Meghan will try to reconcile with the Waleses in May. Obviously, Kensington Palace is currently doing the most to once again say that William and Kate will thwart any attempt at reconciliation or olive-brand-extension from the Sussexes. The same Sussexes who (once again) have not offered anything but a simple statement of support.
Prince Harry’s decision to contact the Prince and Princess of Wales privately in the wake of her cancer diagnosis may have signalled a thaw in fraternal relations. Such devastating health scares often change perspectives and priorities. However, if the Duke of Sussex harbours any hopes of reconciling with his brother and sister-in-law during an expected return to the UK in May, he will likely be disappointed.
Harry is hoping to attend a service at St Paul’s Cathedral to mark the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games. His travel plans have not yet been confirmed. But having recently lost his legal battle with the Government over his right to automatic police protection, he is unlikely to be joined by Meghan or their children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two.
The solo visit could therefore prove an opportune moment to build bridges with his brother, from whom he has been estranged for many months. But such a development would require will on both sides. And sources close to the Waleses suggest that, with everything else the family is coping with, the “Harry problem” is the very last thing on their minds.
They have made abundantly clear to their staff, the wider family and the public that they need time and space to focus on each other and the Princess’s recovery. William “has always done all he can to protect his family”, a royal source told The Telegraph this weekend. Now, more than ever, he is focused on ensuring her privacy and shielding their children.
The very notion that they would have the mental capacity to face the Duke is roundly rejected by insiders, who note that the couple now have far more significant concerns requiring their full attention.
Trust in the Sussexes has been well and truly shattered. If there was a moment they could envisage letting Harry back into their inner sanctum, now is not the time.
Prince William currently has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He, more than anyone, was furious with his brother for the array of barbs and slingshots fired from across the pond in recent years.
One, it speaks volumes about William’s character and mindset that in the midst of his wife and father’s dual cancer battles, he spent yet another weekend full of rage about his brother. Another round of incandescent briefings about how much William hates Harry and how Harry needs to do this or that and beg William for forgiveness. Two, William “has always done all he can to protect his family” – which does not include “managing the public relations around his wife’s health issues” and yet does include “throwing Kate under the bus for manipulating a photo.” Also: I’m pretty sure Harry is the one who did everything he could to protect his wife and children too – protect them from William and Charles and this cruel, vile institution.
Last thing: the mention of the Sussexes’ security issues in the UK in the same breath as Harry’s potential May visit TO HONOR INVICTUS. The point is that they want to demand that Harry should come back so they can put him in physical danger. All while Britain is making this major bid to host the Invictus Games in 2027.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images.
Britain’s Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, foreground centre, sits with Prince William, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, front row, Prince Andrew, background right, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London, Monday, March 11, 2019. Commonwealth Day has a special significance this year, as 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth – a global network of 53 countries and almost 2.4 billion people, a third of the world’s population, of whom 60 percent are under 30 years old.,Image: 531581560, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR 48 HOURS- Fee Payable Upon reproduction – For queries contact Avalon sales@Avalon.red London +44 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles +1 310 822 0419 Berlin +49 30 76 212 251 Madrid +34 91 533 42 89, Model Release: no, Credit line: – / Avalon 
Britain’s Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II from foreground are seated at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London, Monday, March 11, 2019. Commonwealth Day has a special significance this year, as 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth – a global network of 53 countries and almost 2.4 billion people, a third of the world’s population, of whom 60 percent are under 30 years old.,Image: 531581572, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR 48 HOURS- Fee Payable Upon reproduction – For queries contact Avalon sales@Avalon.red London +44 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles +1 310 822 0419 Berlin +49 30 76 212 251 Madrid +34 91 533 42 89, Model Release: no, Credit line: – / Avalon 
09-03-2020 Commonwealth Day Celebrations Prince Harry and Meghan The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Westminster Abbey 2020 Mirror News Photo Phil Harris,Image: 563901013, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR SEVEN DAYS – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Avalon.red – sales@avalon.red London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Berlin: +49 (0) 30 76 212 251, Model Release: no, Credit line: PA ROTA / Avalon
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, on day two of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II. The National Service marks The Queen’s 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. Public service is at the heart of the event and over 400 recipients of Honours in the New Year or Birthday Honours lists have been invited in recognition of their contribution to public life. Drawn from all four nations of the United Kingdom, they include NHS and key workers, teaching staff, public servants, and representatives from the Armed Forces, charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups.,Image: 696614021, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: -, Model Release: no, Credit line: Kirsty O’Connor / Avalon 
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex arrive for the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 03, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952.,Image: 696678032, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: -, Model Release: no, Credit line: ARTHUR EDWARDS / Avalon 
Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry a and Ms. Meghan Markle, The Duke of York, The Princess Royal, The Countess of Wessex, The Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra will attend the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Commonwealth Day. Pic Shows Their Royals Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince Harry and his Fiancee Megan Markle
09-03-2020 Commonwealth Day Celebrations Westminster Abbey 2020 
09-03-2020 Commonwealth Day Celebrations Westminster Abbey 2020 
The Prince of Wales attending the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London Featuring: William, Prince of Wales Where: London, United Kingdom When: 11 Mar 2024 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
The Prince of Wales speaks to guests during the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London Featuring: William, Prince of Wales Where: London, United Kingdom When: 11 Mar 2024 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY** 
The Duke and duchess of Cambridge stand with the duke and Duchess of Sussex at Westminster Abbey for a Commonwealth day service. Commonwealth Day has a special significance this year, as 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth, with old ties and new links enabling cooperation towards social, political and economic development which is both inclusive and sustainable. The Commonwealth represents a global network of 53 countries and almost 2.4 billion people, a third of the worlds population, of whom 60 percent are under 30 years old. Each year the Commonwealth adopts a theme upon which the Service is based. This years theme A Connected Commonwealth speaks of the practical value and global engagement made possible as a result of cooperation between the culturally diverse and widely dispersed family of nations, who work together in friendship and goodwill. The Commonwealths governments, institutions and people connect at many levels, including through parliaments and universities. They work together to protect the natural environment and the ocean which connects many Commonwealth nations, shore to shore. Cooperation on trade encourages inclusive economic empowerment for all people – particularly women, youth and marginalised communities. The Commonwealths friendly sporting rivalry encourages people to participate in sport for development and peace.ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pLHLnpmirJOdxm%2BvzqZmcW5jboF4e8%2BroKeblZTEqrjLopiml6eeua2r0Z6drquVlMGwq9Gemqimk565pqvWoquhl6Cntq%2BvxJifmqqirqyqsr6apZ2Xp52yr6vHmqmrsY%2BrtrS106xm