Anyone who has been following the royal family over the last few years is no stranger to the tensions between Prince Harry and many of his relatives. Namely, the Duke of Sussex has not remained close with his father and brother, King Charles and Prince William.

On September 15, though, the royals shocked the world when both King Charles and Prince William posted messages to Harry wishing him a happy 40th birthday. And while they were certainly endearing notes, it actually sent another major message about William and his wife, Kate Middleton.

Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry | Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s message to Prince Harry speaks volumes

Earlier this year, Kate Middleton was diagnosed with cancer. After removing herself from the spotlight and undergoing chemotherapy, she released a heartfelt video message at the end of the summer about how the diagnosis has changed her perspective. She’s putting family first and focusing on healing — but putting family first might mean all family.

William and Kate’s message to Harry might be saying more than just happy birthday. It might also be saying that the Prince and Princess of Wales are always going to be there for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex despite the kind of past the four have had. Scary situations often change perspectives, and it’s possible that Kate’s new lease on life comes with a new, fresh start for the couple’s relationship with Harry and Meghan.

The birthday message also hints at the type of king and queen William and Kate hope to be. No matter how much distance grows between Harry and William, there will always be a place in William’s heart for his little brother. And the brief happy birthday message might be William sending a signal of the type of public figure he wants to be: one who keeps his drama out of the spotlight and who would welcome Harry back to the United Kingdom if there ever came a time when that might happen.

Prince Harry and Prince William reportedly don’t speak

Rumor has it that Harry and William aren’t close. Supposedly, the two have not spoken since they attended a royal walkabout with their wives shortly after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022. But while sources are claiming this is the case, it’s also hard to believe the Prince of Wales would give the OK to a birthday message for a man he hasn’t spoken to in years.

Ultimately, it’s impossible to say where things stand between Harry and William, but William and Kate’s decision to send the message in the first place is likely saying one of two things (or perhaps both): Here’s the type of king and queen we want to be, or here’s to new beginnings now that Kate’s health is back on track.