Prince Harry and his older brother, Prince William, have long been seen as the faces of a unified royal family. Growing up under the intense scrutiny of the public eye, the two were often portrayed as inseparable, especially in the wake of their mother, Princess Diana’s, tragic death in 1997. However, in recent years, the bond between them has been significantly strained, leading to public revelations of their differences, culminating in several shocking incidents that highlight a deep fracture in their relationship. The most notable of these betrayals were detailed in Prince Harry’s memoir, *Spare*, and other public comments made in interviews and media appearances.
The Physical Confrontation
One of the most explosive revelations from Prince Harry’s memoir involves a physical altercation between the two brothers. In *Spare*, Harry claims that the incident occurred in 2019 when William confronted him at Nottingham Cottage about Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle. William allegedly referred to Meghan as “difficult,” “rude,” and “abrasive,” echoing tabloid narratives that had been circulating at the time. This comment enraged Harry, who felt that his brother was siding with the press rather than supporting him and his wife.
According to Harry’s account, the argument escalated quickly, with William physically attacking him. Harry writes that William “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and knocked me to the floor.” Harry landed on a dog bowl, which cracked under the impact, injuring him. William reportedly urged Harry to fight back, but Harry refused, opting instead to defuse the situation, after which William left but later returned, apologizing and asking Harry not to tell Meghan about the incident .
This confrontation represents a major turning point in their relationship. The brothers, once seen as each other’s confidants and allies, became estranged, with this event laying bare the simmering tensions between them.
The Nazi Costume Scandal
Another striking revelation from Harry’s memoir involves a 2005 incident in which he wore a Nazi uniform to a costume party. At the time, Harry faced enormous public backlash for the insensitive choice, but in *Spare*, he claims that William and Catherine (then his girlfriend) had played a role in his decision. According to Harry, he had called William and Kate to ask for their opinion on two costume choices—a pilot or a Nazi uniform—and they encouraged him to wear the latter. Harry alleges that they both “howled” with laughter when he tried the costume on in front of them.
This story has raised questions about the influence William and Kate had on Harry during his younger years and whether they could have intervened more responsibly. Harry’s admission that his older brother was complicit in the scandal further tarnishes the image of their once-close relationship and suggests a deeper history of poor decisions being made within the family unit.
William and Catherine’s Role in Meghan’s Isolation
One of the ongoing points of tension between the brothers is the relationship between their wives, Meghan Markle and Catherine, the Princess of Wales. In several interviews, including the infamous Oprah Winfrey interview, Harry and Meghan have alluded to a lack of support from the royal family, particularly William and Catherine. In his memoir, Harry recounts an incident where Meghan was criticized by Catherine for allegedly remarking that Catherine had “baby brain” due to her hormones shortly after the birth of her third child. The comment reportedly caused significant friction between the couples, and Meghan was reprimanded for speaking in such a manner .
Harry’s book portrays William and Catherine as being unsympathetic toward Meghan and his efforts to integrate her into royal life. This narrative aligns with the broader theme of Harry feeling abandoned and betrayed by his brother, especially during the challenging early years of his marriage to Meghan. The lack of support from William and his wife, according to Harry, contributed to his decision to step back from royal duties and ultimately leave the UK.
The Rift Over Camilla
Another significant betrayal outlined in *Spare* is Harry’s account of how he and William tried to dissuade their father, King Charles III, from marrying Camilla Parker Bowles. Harry claims that both he and William expressed concerns about their father’s relationship with Camilla and urged him not to marry her. Despite their efforts, Charles proceeded with the marriage in 2005. Harry recounts feeling uneasy about Camilla, fearing she might be a “wicked stepmother,” a sentiment he believes William shared.
This disagreement over Camilla’s place in their father’s life and in the royal family illustrates another layer of the growing distance between the brothers, as they navigated their roles within a family that often placed duty above personal desires and emotions.
Conclusion: A Fractured Brotherhood
The betrayals that Prince Harry describes in *Spare* reveal a deep-seated rift between the once-close brothers. While there is no doubt that royal life has placed unique pressures on their relationship, the revelations from Harry’s memoir and public interviews depict a bond that has been irreparably damaged by personal slights, lack of communication, and conflicting loyalties.
From the physical altercation in 2019 to the fallout over Meghan and the controversies surrounding their father’s remarriage, Harry’s relationship with William is now defined by estrangement rather than solidarity. Whether time can heal these wounds remains to be seen, but for now, it seems that the relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William remains one of the most visible fractures within the royal family