As Prince Harry celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday, his estranged older brother, Prince William, extended a gesture of goodwill.
The milestone was a moment of reflection amid their ongoing strained relationship.
A Bond Once Strong
William and Harry’s relationship, once strengthened by their shared grief over the loss of their mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, has become increasingly distant.
Reports from British media reveal that the brothers have not been in contact for two years.
A Birthday Wish on Social Media
On the occasion of Harry’s birthday, William and his wife, Catherine, posted a birthday greeting on their official X account.
The message, which read, “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!” referenced Harry’s royal title.
This was followed by a similar message from the royal family’s X account, featuring a photo of a smiling Harry and a birthday cake emoji.
Notably, this was the first public birthday wish for Harry since 2021.
Harry’s Optimism Despite Strains
In an interview with the BBC, Harry expressed his excitement about turning 40, contrasting his feelings with the anxiety he felt about turning 30.
He shared that fatherhood has provided him with a new perspective and renewed commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
“Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys and has only made me more driven,” Harry remarked.
Public Appearances and Personal Strains
The last time William and Harry were seen together was at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.
Since then, they have deliberately maintained their distance, including during their father’s coronation in May of the previous year.
A Complex Relationship
In his autobiography, “Spare,” published in January 2023, Harry described William as both a “beloved brother” and an “arch-nemesis.”
This duality reflects the complicated nature of their relationship, with royal experts suggesting that reconciliation may not be imminent.