According to senior palace sources, the Prince of Wales — now heir apparent following King Charles’s accession — has never regarded duty as a form of confinement. Quite the opposite, he welcomes it.
“He’s a grandson who profoundly admires the Queen’s lifelong devotion to service,” one aide shared.
During his televised interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry expressed regret over his years within the royal institution, describing himself as “trapped” and expressing pity for both his father and brother, believing they too were unable to “escape.”
“I was trapped and didn’t know it,” Harry said. “My father and my brother, they are trapped too. They can’t leave.”
However, those close to Prince William say he sees his royal responsibilities in an entirely different light — not as a burden, but as a duty he was born to uphold. His sense of purpose is rooted in loyalty to the Crown, service to the nation, and respect for the enduring legacy of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Insiders also revealed that William was deeply hurt by the way Harry and Meghan responded to the Queen’s request that they discontinue using the word “Royal” in their branding. The Sussexes released a public statement that many within the Palace viewed as defiant:
“While the monarchy holds no jurisdiction over the use of the word ‘Royal’ overseas,” the statement read, “the Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘Royal Sussex’ or ‘Royal’ moving forward.”
That episode, palace staff say, “stung” William, who interpreted it as a sign of disrespect toward the Queen.
Friends of the Prince describe him as still coming to terms with the ongoing distance between the brothers, especially after the Oprah interview reignited debate about loyalty, tradition, and freedom within the monarchy.
The brothers have not met in person since March 2020, when they both attended the Commonwealth Service — their final joint engagement as senior royals. They are expected to reunite later this year to unveil a statue of their late mother, Princess Diana.
Royal sources emphasise that, unlike Harry, William views his position through the lens of purpose rather than restriction. “He doesn’t see the Crown as a cage,” one aide said. “He sees it as a calling.”
Those close to him note that William finds fulfilment in upholding tradition while driving forward modern causes — including mental health, environmental sustainability, and child welfare — areas he feels a personal connection to.
Behind the scenes, William has been rebuilding trust and relationships within the Palace, aiming to strengthen unity amid public scrutiny. While media narratives often portray the brothers’ relationship as a feud, insiders say William’s focus remains on stability and continuity, ensuring the monarchy’s strength and honouring the late Queen’s legacy.
Despite his composed public image, friends admit that William feels moments of sadness and frustration over the estrangement. One close friend described him as “heartbroken that his brother felt trapped, yet unable to relate — their worldviews are fundamentally different.”
The upcoming Princess Diana statue unveiling will be a significant and delicate reunion, bringing both brothers together under global attention. Observers believe it may serve as a quiet test — a moment to see whether reconciliation is possible, or if the divide will continue to shape their shared royal story.