Royal Rift Deepens: Prince Harry “Furious” as James Middleton Publicly Backs William’s Earthshot Prize

Kate’s brother sparks royal tensions with social media endorsement—while insiders claim Harry feels “betrayed” by the Middleton family’s loyalty to William.

The royal family’s fractures have widened once again—this time, over an environmental award and a single social media “like.” James Middleton, Princess Kate’s younger brother, has ignited fresh tensions by publicly supporting Prince William’s Earthshot Prize announcement, a move sources claim left Prince Harry “furious and feeling isolated.” The incident underscores the deepening divide between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal ecosystem, with the Middletons now squarely in the crossfire.

The Earthshot Prize: A Global Stage for William—and a Provocation for Harry?

Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, hailed as his flagship environmental initiative, announced its 2024 ceremony will be held in Rio de Janeiro—a first for South America. The star-studded reveal video featured A-list backers like Cate Blanchett, David Beckham, and Brazilian icons, reinforcing William’s role as a global leader on climate action.

But behind the glamour, the optics stung Harry. Insiders reveal:

Harry’s Frustration: “He sees Earthshot as a direct rival to his own eco-ventures, like Travalyst,” says a palace source. “James Middleton’s endorsement feels like a personal slight.”
Middleton Loyalty: James’s public support (a simple “like” on Instagram) signals the family’s unwavering alignment with William and Kate—a stark contrast to Harry’s estrangement.

The Middleton Factor: Why Harry Feels “Betrayed”

James Middleton’s low-key yet strategic show of solidarity carries weight. As a beloved figure in Kate’s inner circle, his actions are seen as reflective of the Middleton clan’s stance.

Why It Hurts Harry:

Family Over Blood: The Middletons have embraced William as one of their own, while Harry’s bond with Meghan has distanced him from his in-laws.
PR Warfare: Harry’s memoir Spare criticized the “tight-knit Middleton mafia,” making James’s support a symbolic rebuttal.
Business Rivalry: With Earthshot gaining traction, Harry’s own projects (e.g., Invictus Games, eco-travel ventures) risk being overshadowed.

Royal Experts Weigh In: “This Is Psychological Warfare”

Commentators note the Middleton family’s calculated PR moves:

“The Middletons are masters of soft power,” says royal biographer Angela Levin. “A ‘like’ is never just a ‘like’—it’s a message.”
“Harry’s resentment is understandable,” adds PR expert Mark Borkowski. “Every win for William is a reminder of what Harry walked away from.”

The Rio Earthshot Prize: A Symbol of William’s Ascendancy

The Brazil event promises grandeur, with plans to spotlight Indigenous climate solutions and attract billionaire donors. For William, it’s a chance to cement his legacy as a king-in-waiting; for Harry, another reminder of his diminished platform.

Key Stats:

£1 million prizes for 5 eco-innovators.
5,300+ solutions screened globally since 2021.
60 fellows funded—all under William’s leadership.

What’s Next for the Feuding Royals?

Harry’s Revenge? Speculation swirls about a potential Netflix documentary counter-programming Earthshot.
Meghan’s Role: Her American Riviera Orchard brand could pivot to “eco-wellness,” further blurring the lines between philanthropy and commerce.
The King’s Dilemma: Charles must balance support for William’s work with fears of alienating Harry further.

 A Throne Made of Thorns

The Middleton-William alliance is a masterclass in modern royalty: subtle, strategic, and socially savvy. For Harry, each endorsement of Earthshot is a thorn in his side—a reminder that in the battle for public favor, blood ties may not be enough.

In the age of Instagram diplomacy, even a “like” can be a declaration of war.