Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, the longtime former private secretary to Prince William and Prince Harry, has offered rare public comments about the relationship between the two royal brothers while carefully avoiding direct discussion of their widely reported estrangement.

Lowther-Pinkerton, who served as the princes’ private secretary from 2005 until 2013, played a significant role during an important period in both of their lives. His responsibilities included supporting William and Harry as they took on increasing royal duties while also navigating military service and personal milestones. He also shares a lasting connection with the family as one of Prince George’s godfathers.

In a recent interview with The Times, Lowther-Pinkerton was asked whether he believed reconciliation between the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex was possible. Rather than offering an opinion on the brothers’ relationship, he responded with characteristic diplomacy.

“You know what?” he said. “I think I’d better steer clear of that Harry issue.”

Although he declined to discuss the reported family tensions directly, Lowther-Pinkerton made it clear that his personal feelings toward Prince Harry remain warm.

“What I would say is that I was and am very fond of him,” he explained. “He has huge redeeming features, and I’m a perennial optimist.”

His comments were among the few occasions in recent years that someone who worked so closely with both princes has publicly acknowledged the ongoing public interest surrounding their relationship.

Speaking more broadly about his years working with the royal brothers, Lowther-Pinkerton emphasized that he valued both William and Harry equally.

“I loved them both,” he said, describing the brothers as “brave guys.”

He reflected particularly on the years when both princes served in the British Armed Forces, explaining that he believed military service represented an important stage in their personal development.

“When they were soldiers, it was important that they did it right and properly,” he said. “That’s how I saw that ten years I had with them.”

He added that his goal throughout his time as their adviser was to ensure they gained genuine life experience and could later look back knowing they had fully committed themselves to their responsibilities.

Quoting a phrase often used by his Anglo-Irish father, Lowther-Pinkerton explained that he wanted the princes to be able to say, “I’ve known the days. I’ve done it.”

His remarks echoed the practical, disciplined approach that both William and Harry have previously associated with him.

Prince Harry himself wrote positively about Lowther-Pinkerton in his 2023 memoir Spare. Referring to him by his initials, “JLP,” Harry described his former private secretary as someone who remained consistently calm even under pressure.

Harry characterized him as “deeply calm” and “slightly stiff,” while also praising his honesty and professionalism.

He wrote that Lowther-Pinkerton represented “Britain’s finest military training,” adding that he was someone who neither tolerated nor engaged in unnecessary drama or exaggeration.

According to Harry, JLP was respected because he “didn’t deal in nonsense,” earning the trust of colleagues across the Royal Household.

Beyond discussing William and Harry, Lowther-Pinkerton also reflected on other members of the Royal Family whom he had come to know during his years of service.

Speaking about the late Diana, Princess of Wales, he remembered her as someone whose personality brought energy and warmth wherever she went.

He described Diana as “a breath of fresh air” and recalled her as an energetic and vibrant individual whose presence left a lasting impression on those around her.

Lowther-Pinkerton also spoke warmly about Catherine, Princess of Wales, whom he helped support after her marriage to Prince William in 2011.

As Catherine adjusted to life as a working member of the Royal Family, Lowther-Pinkerton was among the senior advisers who helped introduce her to royal procedures and public responsibilities.

Looking back on those years, he praised her highly.

“She’s a really cool woman. Amazing,” he said before adding with a smile, “William chose well.”

He continued by describing both William and Catherine as an impressive partnership, saying simply, “I think they’re great.”

The interview also included a lighthearted story about a recent encounter with the Princess of Wales during a royal engagement in Suffolk in 2025.

Lowther-Pinkerton explained that Catherine greeted him warmly with a customary kiss on the cheek, but the unexpected gesture briefly left him unsure of the correct protocol.

“I was so embarrassed,” he recalled. “I nearly headbutted her.”

Laughing at the memory, he admitted he was uncertain whether he should bow instead.

“It was so sweet of her,” he added, describing the moment as both amusing and touching.

Attention also turned to Prince George, who will celebrate his thirteenth birthday this summer before beginning his education at Eton College later this year.

As one of George’s godfathers, Lowther-Pinkerton acknowledged that his role in the prince’s life has so far been relatively quiet but joked that he hopes to become more involved as George grows older.

“I’m going to be a better godfather,” he said with humor.

He explained that while he may not have been the most active godparent during George’s early childhood, he looks forward to spending more time with him in the years ahead.

“I’ve got other godchildren and I have huge fun with them when they reach a certain point,” he said, adding that he hopes the same will eventually happen with George.

He joked that perhaps “JLP will come out of the chrysalis” once George reaches an age when they can enjoy more shared activities together.

Lowther-Pinkerton’s interview comes as Prince Harry is expected to return to the United Kingdom later this summer.

According to reports, Harry plans to attend events marking one year until the 2027 Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham. The visit has attracted additional attention because reports suggest Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, along with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, could accompany him for what would be their first family visit to Britain since 2022.

The possibility of Harry returning to Britain has naturally renewed speculation about whether he and Prince William might meet during the trip.

However, royal experts caution against expecting any immediate breakthrough.

Emily Nash, royal editor at Hello!, recently told Page Six that while unexpected developments are always possible, she does not anticipate a reunion taking place simply because Harry will be in the country.

“I certainly wouldn’t expect anything to happen on this visit,” Nash said.

She noted that if Harry happened to attend a larger family gathering, it was conceivable that both brothers could be present at the same event.

Even so, she believes their reported relationship remains too strained for an intentional private meeting to be likely.

“Given the very fractious nature of the relationship between William and Harry, I don’t see them rushing to spend time together just because Harry’s back in the U.K.,” she explained.

Nash also emphasized that rebuilding family relationships generally requires patience.

“When things have been as difficult and as estranged as they have been in that family, I wouldn’t expect things to change overnight,” she said.

Instead, she suggested that any progress toward reconciliation would most likely happen gradually through small steps rather than a single dramatic meeting.

Although public interest in William and Harry’s relationship remains high, Lowther-Pinkerton’s comments reflected a noticeably balanced perspective. Rather than discussing disagreements or assigning blame, he chose to focus on the positive qualities he continues to see in both men.

His remarks also served as a reminder of the years when the brothers worked closely together as young members of the Royal Family, before later differences became the subject of widespread public attention.

While questions about the future of their relationship remain unanswered, Lowther-Pinkerton’s interview highlighted his enduring respect for both William and Harry, expressing hope and affection without becoming involved in the ongoing speculation surrounding one of the monarchy’s most closely watched family relationships.