Prince William’s ‘head and heart’ must be bursting with everything he has on his plate and with the cancer diagnoses of his wife Kate Middleton and father King Charles – and dealing with the Prince Harry ‘problem’ might not be high on his list of priorities…

Royal fans hopeful for a reconciliation between estranged brothers Prince Harry and Prince William must “give up hope”, a top royal expert has claimed.

Veteran former BBC Royal reporter Jennie Bond believes future King William has moved on from the drama surrounding Harry and Wife Meghan Markle’s departure from the world of working royals – and has effectively disowned the brother to whom he was once so close. Harry has made a series of bombshell claims in books, interviews and TV shows since moving to America with Meghan, claims that have been damaging to the Royal Family.

Royal expert Jennie told OK!: “I think we have to give up hope that the rift between the brothers will be healed at any time in the near future, or indeed ever. William’s head and heart must be bursting with all that he has on his plate right now: his wife’s cancer treatment, his father’s illness, his children growing up fast, the pressure for him to take on more royal duties, the prospect of becoming King earlier than he might ever have wanted.

Britain’s Prince Harry (R), Duke of Sussex, and Britain’s Meghan (L), Duchess of Sussex, take part in activities as they arrive at the Lightway Academy in Abuja on May 10, 2024 as they visit Nigeria as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary. (Photo by Kola SULAIMON / AFP) (Photo by KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

“Dealing with ‘the Harry problem’ is probably just one step too far for William. I believe he has moved on with his life and has, to all intents and purposes, disowned the brother to whom he was once so close.”

Prince William’s wife, Kate Middleton, announced to the nation towards the end of March that she was undergoing cancer treatment. A public appearance by William was a significant moment last week when the Prince of Wales ventured the furthest he has since Kate shared her diagnosis, performing two days of official tasks.

And Jennie reflected how the 41-year-old appeared more at ease about his wife’s recovery and his demeanour and patter signalled she is “feeling stronger every day”.

The Prince of Wales seemed relaxed while in Cornwall  
William spent time in Cornwall addressing homelessness by visiting the Nansledan Estate in his position as the Duchy of Cornwall’s head. William also met hospital staff on the Isles of Scilly during his visit and enjoyed a spontaneous volley game with youthful lifeguards at Fistral Beach.

And Jennie said it was heartening news that William felt comfortable to spend a couple of nights away from his wife and family.

She said: “I’ve no doubt that Catherine’s parents will be staying with her, but even so it must be a step in the right direction. Hopefully Catherine is feeling stronger every day and, with the sun now shining, she’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors which, for her, has always been restorative.”

William is feeling ‘more relaxed’ about Kate’s recovery from cancer, according to a source
Meanwhile, William offered an update about Kate, saying: “She’s doing well, thanks,” and followed up by jokingly stating: “The children are very jealous that I am here… Maybe we might come later in the year.”

Prince William’s trip to Cornwall coincided with Prince Harry’s return to the UK for the 10th anniversary service of the Invictus Games and his subsequent journey to Nigeria with Meghan Markle. Despite previous speculation, Harry did not meet with any members of the Royal Family during his UK visit, including a potential meeting with his father, King Charles.

William enjoyed a laugh and a joke during a visit to St Mary’s Harbour, in the Isles Of Scilly  Although Harry and Meghan stepped back from their senior Royal roles in 2020, their visit to Nigeria was labelled a ‘mini Royal tour’, a term which Jennie suggests would not have “pleased” King Charles or Prince William.

The expert added: “The King and Prince William are firmly of the belief that you are either in or out of the working Royals. This seems to be a rather strange halfway house. I think both the King and the Prince, and indeed the Government, will want it to be made clear that Harry is not representing either the Royal Family or Britain on this trip.”