Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have been living in the United Kingdom since late August following six years in California. Their unexpected return has fueled speculation about a possible reconciliation between the Duke of Sussex and his brother, Prince William. However, a thaw in their relationship still appears distant.
© Getty ImagesNo plans for an apology:
According to People, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no plans to apologize to Prince William and Princess Kate, contradicting speculation that they were preparing to do so.
The British newspaper Express reported on October 6 that the Sussexes hoped to reconcile with the Prince and Princess of Wales over comments made during their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. However, a source cited by People dismissed the suggestion that an apology was being planned.
© Getty ImagesThe interview that deepened the divide:
Among the Sussexes’ public comments about the royal family, one of the most contentious moments came during their interview with Oprah.
Meghan said that, before Archie’s birth, there had been conversations within the royal family expressing concern about how dark his skin might be.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageThose remarks became a central point of controversy surrounding the interview and added to the tensions between the couple and the royal household.
Progress with King Charles III:
While Prince Harry has made progress in rebuilding his relationship with his father, King Charles III, there has been no comparable development with his brother.
A source previously told the publication that there had been no movement toward reconciliation, particularly on William’s side. An improvement in the brothers’ relationship therefore appears unlikely in the immediate future.
© John PhillipsYears of public revelations:
Harry has publicly expressed his desire to reconcile with his family. During a BBC interview in May 2025, he said he would welcome reconciliation, while acknowledging the deep tensions that remained.
Those tensions have played out over several years, following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, their Oprah interview the following year, their Netflix documentary series, and the publication of Harry’s memoir, 'Spare,' in 2023.
© WireImageThe family’s extended stay in Britain has brought renewed attention to those strained relationships. A source close to the palace previously indicated that the circumstances had intensified the situation.
A future reconciliation remains possible:
Harry has maintained contact with his father since returning to his home country. King Charles met privately with Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet in July, before their move. Harry and his father have also spoken at least once since the family’s return.
© PoolHis relationship with William, however, remains unchanged. Although there is little indication of an imminent breakthrough, the possibility that the brothers could rebuild their relationship over time has not been ruled out.
