Prince Harry and the rest of the royal family have not been on great terms in recent years. Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, and ever since, things seem to have only become worse between Harry and his relatives.
Although there has been no true example of the rift healing, one former royal employee does think there have been subtle signs, calling out one recent move by Harry as being the potential impetus for a reunion.
Prince William and Prince Harry | Daniel Leavl-Olivas/Pool Getty Images
Former royal butler believes Prince Harry might ultimately reconcile based on one sign
Harry and Meghan stepped away from the royal family in favor of a different life, and they have been living in Montecito, California, since 2020. The two welcomed their second child, Princess Lilibet, in the United States about a year later, and Harry and Meghan don’t seem to have any plans to return to royal duties any time soon.
Still, Harry and Meghan did recently purchase a vacation home in Portugal, and former royal butler Grant Harrold thinks this is the most telling sign that a reconciliation could happen.
“I’ve always said that I think Harry’s relationship with the royals will improve over time,” Harrold told the New York Post. “It’s been quiet for quite a while which is a good sign, so I think any move to Europe — even if it’s not the UK, Portugal is not that far — could mean that it’s easier for Harry to spend more time in his home, the UK — and it’s quite possible it’s a sign that he is getting closer to his family again.”
Harry and Meghan’s Portugal purchase was recently leaked, though the two have not confirmed the buy. “I would imagine we would see some of the family members visiting Harry and Meghan,” Harrold added.
Prince William has publicly mentioned Prince Harry’s name twice since September
Earlier this year, there were rumors that William had banned the mention of Harry’s name in the home. However, in September, William and Kate Middleton publicly wished Harry a happy 40th birthday on their Instagram account, which they had not done since 2021.
After that, in October, William mentioned a memory he shared with Harry in his new homelessness documentary, and people were shocked to hear Harry’s name anywhere in the film.
Although it doesn’t signal much, it does mark a change in William’s public attitude toward his brother. It’s hard to tell where it could lead, but it appears to be subtle improvement.
