What is Prince Harry and William’s relationship like now as they walk separately at Philip’s funeral?

Harry has previously said they are ‘on different paths’

Ellie Abraham
Saturday 17 April 2021 12:25 BST
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(Getty Images)

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It has been announced byBuckingham Palace that Prince Harry and Prince William will walk apart at their grandfather Prince Philip’s funeral.

On Saturday 17 April, the funeral service for Prince Philip will be held at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle with 30 guests in attendance.

With the news that royal brothers Harry and William will walk separately, speculation around the state of their relationship has increased.

In August 1997, the siblings lost their mother,Princess Diana, in their formative years when Harry was 12 and William, 15.

In an interview for the 20th anniversary of their mother’s death in 2017, The Duke of Cambridge explained how the traumatic events had bonded them.

He said: “We have been brought closer because of the circumstances as well, that’s the thing. You are uniquely bonded because of what we’ve been through.”

However, two years later in 2019, Harry suggested their relationship may be strained during ITV documentaryHarry and Meghan: An African Journey.

During an interview, Harry said the brothers are “on different paths” and have “good days” and “bad days”.

He said: “We are brothers. We will always be brothers.

“We are certainly on different paths at the moment but I will always be there for him as I know he will always be there for me.

“We don’t see each other as much as we used to because we are so busy but I love him dearly.

“The majority of the stuff is created out of nothing but, as brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days.”

Following Oprah Winfrey’s bombshell interview with Harry and Meghan, rumours of a rift between the two only intensified. Harry explained that they are having “space at the moment”, but added, “time heals all things, hopefully”.

He said: “As I’ve said before, I love William to bits. He’s my brother. We’ve been through hell together. We have a shared experience, but we were on different paths.”

Following the interview, a statement released by Buckingham Palace read: “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.

“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”

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