Future King Welcomes Former President as Rift With Brother Deepens
Prince William made time for former President Donald Trump this week, but not for his younger brother, Harry. The contrast could not have been sharper as the heir to the throne and Catherine welcomed the Trumps to Windsor Castle on Wednesday, six years after King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted them at Buckingham Palace during Trump’s 2019 state visit.
Back in 2019, Meghan Markle was on maternity leave, Harry was still a working royal, and his frosty attitude toward a president who had branded Meghan “nasty” drew attention but little surprise. Today, the picture looks very different. The Sussexes’ relationship with the monarchy has broken down, and Harry’s connection to his homeland appears increasingly strained. Just last week, Harry spent four days in Britain but failed to arrange time with his brother. The missed meeting only highlighted their widening divide, especially when compared with the months of careful planning that went into Trump’s reception.
According to Vanity Fair, palace insiders say this isn’t simply about scheduling. One source claimed William is “adamant that he wants nothing to do with his brother,” a remark that makes reconciliation seem more remote than ever. Instead, William is focused on strengthening international ties, with Trump now a surprising fixture in that effort.
Their first private meeting in February, initially planned as a short courtesy call, stretched into a 40-minute conversation. Trump later described William as “really, very handsome.” While the prince’s views on Trump’s politics remain unknown, aides insist he is committed to political neutrality. “It’s important that we’re not involved in day-to-day politics,” one palace insider told The Telegraph. “But when the time is right and there’s an ask for support from His Majesty’s Government, the prince is happy to play his role.”
For William, forging relationships with global leaders is part of his duty as heir. Healing his fractured bond with Harry, however, is not. And for now, he shows little sign of wanting to try.
