In a rare and candid moment, Prince William spoke about his relationship with his estranged brother, Prince Harry, during a new episode of The Reluctant Traveler on Apple TV+. The Prince of Wales, known for his typically reserved public appearances, reflected on his childhood, his royal duties, and his vision for the future of the monarchy.
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Prince William; Prince Harry.
When asked about his eldest son, Prince George, and the possibility of him one day becoming king, William shared his hopes for a future that would allow George to be proud of the royal role. “Obviously, I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better,” William explained. But he also addressed the challenges of following in his own and Harry’s footsteps, acknowledging the complicated legacy of their royal upbringing. “I hope we don’t go back to some of the practices in the past, that Harry and I had to grow up with — and I’ll do everything I can to make sure we don’t regress in that situation,” he added.
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Prince William and Prince Harry attend the funeral of Princess Diana on Sep
This comment, though brief, serves as a rare public acknowledgment of the rift between the brothers that has defined much of the public’s perception of their relationship since Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The divide has only deepened with the release of Harry’s memoir, Spare, and his subsequent public interviews and Netflix docuseries, which have been critical of the royal family.
Despite the strain, William expressed optimism about his vision for the future of the monarchy. “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good,” he said. “And I embrace that and I enjoy that change – I don’t fear it. That’s the bit that excites me, is the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical change, but changes that I think that need to happen.” His comments suggest a desire to modernize the monarchy, while maintaining the core values that have defined it for centuries.
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Prince William and Eugene Levy on ‘The Reluctant Traveler’.
The interview also touched on William’s childhood memories, particularly his time at Windsor Castle, where he fondly recalled playing games with his cousins. “I remember these carpets weren’t here, and there were a couple of spots where you used to have to watch out because you’d get massive splinters,” he joked, providing a rare, personal glimpse into his life before his royal duties took center stage.
William also discussed the impact of his parents’ divorce, which he experienced at the age of eight. Reflecting on his own parenting style, William noted the importance of creating a warm and supportive home environment for his children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. “You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love,” he said. “That all has to be there, and that was certainly part of my childhood.” Despite the tumultuous separation of his parents, Charles and Diana, William emphasized the lessons he learned from their divorce and his determination to avoid making the same mistakes.
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Prince Harry and Prince William in July 2021.
As the royal family continues to navigate its changing dynamics, William’s rare comments about Harry and his family life offer a glimpse into his evolving role as a future king. His reflections suggest a strong desire for both personal and institutional growth, while maintaining a focus on what’s best for his children and their future in a modern monarchy.
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