Prince William has reportedly been warned that his long-running rift with Prince Harry could reach a decisive breaking point in 2026, potentially closing the door on any future reconciliation between the royal brothers.
Royal commentators and observers suggest that the prolonged silence between the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex has hardened into something more permanent, with time now working against them rather than offering opportunities for healing. According to insiders, moments that once might have allowed for quiet repair have instead passed without contact, reinforcing the growing sense that the divide is becoming irreversible.
The last known occasion when Prince William and Prince Harry were believed to be in the same place was in August 2024, during the funeral of their maternal uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, in Norfolk. Despite the deeply personal and emotional nature of the event, reports indicate that the brothers did not speak, sit together, or acknowledge one another, underscoring the depth of their estrangement.
Prior to that, their most recent public appearance together occurred at King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023. Even then, any interaction between the brothers was minimal, formal, and closely managed, offering little indication of reconciliation.
The strain in their relationship dates back several years and intensified after Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Tensions further escalated following his high-profile televised interviews and the publication of his memoir, Spare, which laid bare personal grievances within the royal family.
With 2026 now being described by observers as a potential “point of no return,” royal watchers warn that unless meaningful efforts are made to reset the relationship, the distance between Prince William and Prince Harry could soon become permanent.