Prince William and Prince Harry Maintain ‘No Contact’ Despite Harry’s Recent Reunion with King Charles

Prince Harry’s long-awaited reunion with King Charles may represent progress in one royal relationship, but sources indicate that the bond between the King’s sons remains strained. Despite Harry’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, there has been no apparent movement toward reconciliation between Prince William and Prince Harry.

“It’s so broken,” an insider tells PEOPLE about the relationship between the brothers in this week’s exclusive cover story. Another source who knows both William and Harry adds: “I thought it would have perhaps eased a little bit by now, to be honest. But there has been no movement, especially on William’s side. There is no contact.”

Although Prince William, 44, and Prince Harry, 41, were in London on July 7 — the first day of Harry’s UK trip — just 12 miles apart, there was never any expectation that the brothers would meet. William attended his annual charity polo match in Windsor with Kate Middleton, while Harry participated in events related to the Invictus Games Foundation.

The once-close brothers’ relationship has deteriorated significantly since Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020. The publication of Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare, in which he candidly discussed his experiences within the royal family, further widened the divide.

Harry’s recent UK trip included a private family reunion with King Charles and Queen Camilla, marking the first time Meghan and the children — Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5 — had seen Harry’s father and stepmother in four years. The meeting took place at Highgrove House, the King’s private country residence in Gloucestershire, and no photos or additional details were released as it was considered a private family occasion.

Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8 — have no relationship with their California-based cousins Archie and Lilibet. This generational distance adds another layer of sadness to the family rift.

Royal author Simon Vigar notes that Princess Diana would likely be devastated by the current state of affairs between her sons. “Diana would be devastated that it has turned out like this, particularly because they were once so close,” he says.

Royal historian Robert Lacey previously told PEOPLE that the rift is “very profound and very long-lasting. It will not be changed, in my opinion, until Harry makes a move and apologizes.” Historian Amanda Foreman added that “everyone wants it to happen on their terms, but that’s what makes it impossible.”

Harry’s journey toward reconciliation with his father was not without challenges. An explosive back-and-forth over security arrangements and accommodation for his family cast a shadow over the trip. Ultimately, Harry proceeded with his planned itinerary of charitable events alone, while Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet travelled from Portugal — where the family had been vacationing — to join the private reunion with King Charles and Queen Camilla on July 10.

A source close to the situation tells PEOPLE that “the relationship is better” between Harry and his father. Harry has publicly expressed his desire for restored family relationships, telling the BBC in May 2025, “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.”

The ongoing distance between William and Harry stands in contrast to Harry’s efforts to rebuild ties with his father. The brothers’ estrangement has been one of the most discussed aspects of the royal family’s recent dynamics, with many hoping for signs of improvement that have yet to materialise.

The Wales family’s children have no known relationship with their Sussex cousins, creating a significant generational divide. This separation is particularly poignant given the close bond William and Harry once shared as young princes, especially after the loss of their mother.

As Harry continues to focus on his life in California with Meghan and their children while maintaining some connections to the UK through charitable work, the question of reconciliation with his brother remains open. Sources suggest that significant movement would likely require gestures from both sides, but for now, the silence between William and Harry persists.

The recent family reunion with King Charles offers some hope for improved relations within the broader family, but the brothers’ relationship appears to require more time and effort to heal. Harry’s public comments about wanting reconciliation suggest he remains open to dialogue, while William’s position has been more reserved.

Royal observers continue to watch for any signs of thawing between the brothers. For now, their parallel lives — William focused on his duties as Prince of Wales and Harry building a life in California — reflect the deep divisions that have developed over the past several years.

The situation remains complex, with both brothers navigating their roles, responsibilities, and personal lives in very different circumstances. While Harry has expressed a desire for better family relationships, the path to reconciliation between the brothers continues to be challenging.

As the royal family moves forward, the hope for healing between William and Harry endures among many who remember the close bond they once shared. Whether that hope will eventually be realised remains to be seen, but for now, the distance between them persists despite Harry’s recent positive steps with their father.