In a Sunday Times article published on Saturday to coincide with Prince Harry’s 40th birthday, it has been reported that Prince William does not want Prince Harry to attend his coronation. The Duke of Cambridge, 42, is said to want his crowning—set to take place after the passing of King Charles III, 75—to “look and feel different,” which may include Harry’s absence.

Prince William and Prince Harry at a statue unveiling of Princess Diana in July 2021

According to William’s friends, there is currently no plan for Harry, 39, to be present at the ceremony. “They are estranged, which is dreadfully sad,” one close friend commented, noting that the brothers have not spoken in nearly two years.

Prince William at the English FA Cup final soccer match

Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards

Since stepping back from royal duties and moving to California in 2020, Harry has been outspoken about his family in various media appearances, including his 2021 Oprah interview, the “Harry & Meghan” Netflix docuseries, and his memoir, “Spare.” These revelations have exacerbated tensions within the royal family.

A source close to King Charles remarked on the difficulty of mending relations, saying, “The problem for the king and other family members is the worry that any conversation with Harry might end up in ‘Spare’ Volume 2.” Despite this, the friend noted that while the relationship is strained, the king’s capacity to forgive remains strong. However, other family members remain less inclined to reconcile.

Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2022

Harry’s decision to publicly criticize his family has been described by some as “outrageously disloyal,” with one of his close friends expressing disbelief at his actions. Another former aide to Harry suggested that the Duke of Sussex, now living in California, seems to lack direction, despite his work with Invictus and his role as a father.

In a recent interview, Harry touched on his strained family relationships, attributing part of the fallout to the family’s reluctance to challenge the press. He has also faced criticism for his remarks about Queen Consort Camilla and his brother William in his memoir.

The future of Harry’s relationship with his family remains uncertain as tensions continue to simmer.