Jeremy Vine posits theory that Prince William caused fallout with Prince Harry

Broadcaster Jeremy Vine has proposed a theory that Prince William may have been responsible for the rift with his brother, Prince Harry, suggesting jealousy over the popularity of Harry and Meghan's 2018 wedding may have led to efforts to "take them down a peg or two." Vine, speaking on his Channel 5 show, theorized that William and Catherine, or individuals acting on their behalf, initiated actions that inadvertently worsened the situation, leading to "brutal publicity" and the Sussexes' eventual departure from the country.

Vine's comments, made on an October 16 episode of 'Jeremy Vine on 5', resurfaced recently after a clip was shared on X. His remarks came amid ongoing commentary on Prince Harry's recent statements, including his suggestion that "some people don't want to work it out" when it comes to reconciliation, which was widely interpreted as a jab at his older brother.

During a discussion with his panel, which included Richard Bacon, Narinder Kaur, and Dawn Neesom, Vine stated, "William and Kate got worried, either they or more likely people on their behalf thought ‘let's take them down a peg or two’, and they accidentally broke the whole ladder." He added that the Sussexes "did nothing wrong and they were briefed against like crazy. It was horrific."

A spokesperson for Vine indicated that he was expressing a personal opinion.

Public reaction to Vine's theory was divided. Some social media users criticized his comments as biased against the monarchy, while others found the idea plausible, with one user suggesting that William and Kate might have viewed the Sussexes as competition and sought to keep them from overshadowing them.

Prince Harry himself has previously spoken about the breakdown in his relationship with his brother. In the 2022 Netflix documentary "Harry & Meghan," he claimed that the brothers had an agreement not to brief against each other in the press, a pact he felt William broke. Harry stated that seeing William's office replicate the practices they had vowed to avoid was "heartbreaking." The royal offices have not officially commented on these claims, and the brothers have reportedly not spoken in four years.

This past week, Prince Harry again alluded to the strained relationship, stating in a GQ magazine interview that while he wishes for reconciliation, "Some people don't want it to work out." A spokesperson for the Sussexes later clarified that this remark was made in a general context and not directed at his family.

Despite the renewed focus on the rift, King Charles appeared composed during a state banquet at Windsor Castle for the Sultan of Oman. During his address, the King spoke of his pride in William and the Sultan's son becoming joint patrons of a cultural expedition, highlighting the passing of relationships from one generation to the next. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, sources have expressed skepticism regarding Harry's recent calls for peace, questioning the timing and sincerity given past events.