What Queen Elizabeth Might Have Done About Harry and William’s Rift

As Prince Harry and Prince William’s strained relationship continues, those close to the royal family reflect on how Queen Elizabeth might have approached the divide. Her steady presence once offered quiet support during family tensions.

The rift between Prince Harry and Prince William remains one of the most closely watched dynamics within the royal family. While tensions have persisted for years, those who knew Queen Elizabeth II say her approach to family conflict may have played a unique role had she still been alive.

A Steady Presence in Family Conflict

Queen Elizabeth, who died on September 8, 2022, was known for maintaining stability during times of uncertainty. As the family approaches what would have been her 100th birthday, attention has turned to how she might have responded to the continued distance between her grandsons.

According to a source close to the palace, the late monarch maintained relationships with both Prince Harry and Prince William, even after their estrangement became public.

“She saw both of them, even after the estrangement,” the source told PEOPLE. “She also believed that you might have views, but you don’t have sides. She knew that families are complicated.”

The Role She Might Have Played

While Queen Elizabeth was known for her discretion, those familiar with palace dynamics believe she could have helped guide conversations between the brothers.

Ailsa Anderson, the Queen’s former press secretary, described the limits of what even a respected figure like Elizabeth could achieve.

“It’s very difficult. The only two people who can mend this are themselves,” Anderson said. “She could have been the convener, but they have to take the first steps.”

Her role, as described by those who worked closely with her, would likely have focused on creating space for dialogue rather than forcing reconciliation.

How the Rift Began

The strained relationship between Prince Harry, 41, and Prince William, 43, has been building for years. Reports have traced the initial tension back to 2016, when William raised concerns about how quickly Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle was progressing.

Over time, those concerns developed into a broader divide. In his memoir “Spare,” Prince Harry offered his own account of their relationship, describing it as both close and conflicted.

He referred to William as his “beloved brother and arch nemesis,” detailing moments of disagreement that included both verbal arguments and physical confrontations.

Growing Distance After Royal Exit

Tensions increased further after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to California. Their decision to speak openly about their experiences marked a shift from the royal family’s traditional stance of “never complain, never explain.”

Through interviews, a Netflix series, and “Spare,” the couple shared their perspective on royal life. These disclosures added strain to already fragile relationships within the family.

Despite this, Queen Elizabeth is said to have maintained communication with Harry, even as his relationships with both King Charles III and Prince William faced challenges.

Signs of Gradual Progress

While the relationship between the brothers remains strained, there have been signs of improvement elsewhere. A source told PEOPLE that Prince Harry and King Charles have made efforts to reconnect, with more frequent communication following a reunion in September 2025.

This gradual progress suggests that some relationships within the family are beginning to shift, even if the bond between Harry and William has yet to fully recover.

The Legacy of Her Approach

Queen Elizabeth’s handling of personal and public challenges defined much of her reign. Her emphasis on duty, discretion, and balance shaped how she approached even the most sensitive issues.

Those close to the royal household suggest that her influence might have encouraged patience and communication during the brothers’ ongoing dispute. However, as Anderson noted, reconciliation ultimately depends on the individuals involved.

Her legacy, in this context, is less about resolving the conflict and more about the example she set in managing it.

The divide between Prince Harry and Prince William continues to evolve, shaped by years of personal and public tension. While Queen Elizabeth is no longer present to offer her quiet guidance, her approach to family and leadership still informs how the situation is viewed. Any lasting resolution will depend on the brothers themselves, but her influence remains part of the conversation.