The relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry, once inseparable, has deteriorated in recent years, leaving the brothers estranged. While their bond was severely tested following the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana, it has been further strained by Harry and Meghan’s decision to step away from royal duties. Despite the growing divide, newly discovered letters from Princess Diana offer a glimpse into what their relationship could have been and serve as a poignant reminder of their shared history.
A Childhood of Love and Normalcy
Prince William and Prince Harry had a unique childhood, shaped by the efforts of their mother, Princess Diana, to provide them with a sense of normalcy amidst the pressures of royal life. Despite the privileges they enjoyed, Diana ensured that her sons experienced the simple joys of childhood. In a public conversation marking the 20th anniversary of Diana’s passing in 2017, both William and Harry reflected on the deep love she had for them. Harry fondly recalled, “When everybody says ‘she was funny, give us an example,’ all I can hear is her laugh,” and the fun, mischievous moments she shared with them. William echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the unwavering love Diana gave them, saying, “We felt incredibly loved by her, and I’m very grateful that the love still feels there.”
A Glimpse into Their Childhood Bond
Recent letters from Princess Diana provide valuable insights into the early bond between the brothers. In one letter written in 1985, just months after Harry’s birth, Diana described 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,” she wrote. These intimate glimpses reveal the warmth and closeness they shared during their formative years. Despite the pressures of royal life, Diana made sure her children enjoyed regular moments of normalcy, such as visits to theme parks and trips to McDonald’s, not for the food but for the Happy Meal toys their sons loved. Her efforts to make their childhood joyful are evident in the letters, which reflect her devotion as a mother.
The Devastating Loss of Princess Diana
The tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997 marked a turning point in the brothers’ lives. Harry, in his memoir Spare, recounts the heartbreaking moment when his father, Prince Charles, broke the news of Diana’s death. At just 12 years old, Harry was told, “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 left an indelible mark on both princes, and Harry vividly remembers the overwhelming grief and the public mourning that followed. Walking behind Diana’s coffin during the funeral procession was a moment Harry later described as a traumatic experience, reflecting that “no child should have been asked to endure such a public display of grief.”
The Growing Strain Between the Brothers
In the years following Diana’s death, the bond between William and Harry began to unravel, particularly after Harry and Meghan’s decision to step away from their royal duties. Tensions reached a breaking point in 2019 when a physical altercation occurred between the brothers at Harry’s London home. In his memoir, Harry describes a confrontation where William disparaged Meghan, which escalated into a physical struggle. William reportedly knocked Harry to the floor, even ripping a necklace off his brother. This incident is just one example of the rift that has grown between them, with Harry’s book Spare detailing the emotional distance and the unresolved issues that have caused lasting damage to their relationship.
The Impact of Princess Diana’s Absence
The brothers’ strained relationship highlights the profound impact of losing their mother at a young age. Diana’s presence in their lives, characterized by her love and nurturing, may have been the key to keeping their bond strong. Had she been alive, it’s possible she could have bridged the divide between William and Harry, just as she had done in their childhood. Her death left a void that neither brother has been able to fill, and with their relationship in turmoil, many continue to hope that one day they will reconcile.
As we reflect on the enduring love Diana instilled in her sons, there remains hope that, despite the rift, Prince William and Prince Harry can one day heal their relationship. In the meantime, we remember Princess Diana’s legacy and cherish the bond she fostered between the two brothers.
