A recent poll indicates that only 4% of Britons believe Prince William should initiate peace talks with his brother, Prince Harry. The survey, commissioned by The Mail on Sunday, found that 31% of respondents think Harry should be the one to make the first move in rebuilding their fractured relationship. Another 27% believe the brothers should reconcile through mutual effort, while 11% suggested neither should make the first move and 28% were undecided.
The findings come as speculation mounts regarding a potential return of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the UK. The brothers have not communicated since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. Tensions between them are reportedly exacerbated by public statements made by the Sussexes, including claims in Prince Harry's memoir "Spare" alleging a physical altercation with William and accusations of racial insensitivity within the Royal Family during a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Prince William has publicly refuted the latter claim, stating the Royal Family is "very much not a racist family."
The poll of 2,000 individuals also revealed that 43% believe the Sussexes should apologize for their public statements, with just over a quarter disagreeing and 31% uncertain.
Amidst these public sentiments, reports suggest that a senior aide to King Charles III, former diplomat Theo Rycroft, has made repairing the rift between the princes a top priority. Sources indicate this could involve William publicly acknowledging his brother, perhaps by appearing at the same event. However, a source close to the King has denied these claims, calling them "baseless."
Potential opportunities for reconciliation have been noted around events hosted by The Diana Award, a charity co-patroned by both princes. The charity is organizing a black-tie event on September 18 to mark the lead-up to the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana's death next summer. It remains uncertain whether either of the princes will attend.
Royal observers caution that the influence of courtiers in mediating such a personal family matter is limited, emphasizing that the resolution rests with the brothers themselves. King Charles III has reportedly expressed a desire for his sons to reconcile, particularly given his ongoing cancer treatment.
The survey also addressed public opinion on security for the Sussexes during their visits to the UK. A substantial 68% believe Harry and Meghan should bear the full cost of their security, with only 2% agreeing that taxpayers should contribute. The public's view on the Sussexes' potential return to Britain is divided, with 27% in favor, 34% opposed, and 39% undecided.