Prince William’s Ruthless Side Revealed: Why He Reportedly Never Forgets a Betrayal—Especially When Someone Chooses Harry and Meghan
The long-running rift between Prince William and his younger brother, Prince Harry, appears to remain one of the most complicated fractures within the British royal family. And according to recent reporting and commentary from royal observers, the tension may reveal something deeper about William’s personality: a determination to remember perceived disloyalty and maintain firm boundaries with those he believes have crossed them.
A report published by Page Six in April 2026 highlighted claims that the Prince of Wales can have a “ruthless streak” and is capable of holding a grudge, particularly when people appear to side with Harry and Meghan Markle. The claims have attracted renewed attention because William’s relationship with his brother remains distant even as other members of the family have shown signs of attempting to rebuild bridges.
The issue is particularly sensitive because Harry and Meghan have had relationships with several figures who occupy important positions around the royal establishment. One example discussed by royal commentators is Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, who played a significant role in Harry and Meghan’s wedding and had reportedly maintained contact with the couple.
Royal commentator Roya Nikkhah has previously suggested that William can be someone who remembers which side people choose during disagreements. The wider story surrounding Welby is complicated, however, and there is no public evidence proving that every strained relationship involving William is directly connected to Harry and Meghan.
The brothers’ own history provides important context.
William and Harry were once presented as exceptionally close. They worked together on charitable initiatives and appeared regularly as a united front alongside Catherine, Princess of Wales. Their public image as the younger generation of the monarchy began to deteriorate after Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal duties and eventually established their lives in the United States.
The publication of Harry’s memoir Spare, along with interviews and television appearances by the Sussexes, intensified the dispute. William has generally avoided publicly discussing the most personal allegations, while Harry has continued to describe the emotional difficulties surrounding his relationship with his family.
Recent developments in 2026 have nevertheless demonstrated that the wider royal-family situation is not entirely frozen. Harry and Meghan reportedly reunited with King Charles and Queen Camilla during a private family meeting at Highgrove in July, with their children also present. That meeting has encouraged speculation about whether Harry could eventually rebuild a stronger relationship with his father.
Yet William appears to remain a different matter.
Current reporting suggests that trust remains a major obstacle between the brothers. Royal commentators have argued that William’s concerns are not simply about personal disagreements but also about protecting the monarchy and preventing further damage to an institution he is destined to lead.
That distinction is crucial. Descriptions such as “ruthless” or “grudge-holder” are characterizations made by commentators, not established facts about William’s private personality. Nevertheless, the continuing distance between the brothers suggests that reconciliation will not necessarily follow simply because Harry has reopened communication with other members of the family.
For now, the royal family appears to be navigating two parallel realities: Charles may be willing to reopen the door to his younger son, while William remains considerably more guarded.
And that could make the future of the royal brothers’ relationship even more intriguing.
