Columnist Peter Hitchens has asserted that Prince William should resolve his estrangement with his brother, Prince Harry, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation for the stability of the nation and William's future as king. Hitchens expressed this view on the "Alas Vine & Hitchens" podcast, where he also discussed his own reconciliation with his brother, Christopher.
Hitchens believes that William, the Prince of Wales, must set aside personal feelings for the sake of the country. "For the sake of the country, I think a reconciliation both personal and public is essential," Hitchens stated. "They can't go on living in the same country in the state of hostility that now exists - it can't go on with doing serious damage to the whole place."
Sarah Vine, co-host of the podcast, suggested that William would need to be the more accommodating party in any reconciliation effort. "It's tough on William, because he's going to have to be the bigger of the two," she remarked.
Reflecting on his own difficult relationship with his brother, Christopher, with whom he had a falling out over faith and politics, Hitchens shared the significance of their eventual reconciliation. "Relationships between brothers can be very difficult. I had a reconciliation with my own," he said. "Do it, as soon as you can. Don't mess around. ... The person who finally shifted his mind said was do it now while he can. Not very long afterwards, he fell very ill and died. I think if we had been unreconciled when that happened, it would have been appalling."
Hitchens recounted attempts to mend his relationship with his brother, including an exchange of letters that, while initially unsuccessful, were intended to lead to reconciliation. He stressed that even if one believes they are not at fault, making an effort to end a dispute is crucial. "So the fact that you're the you you think you're the wrong party doesn't actually excuse you from making an effort to bring it to an end," he added.
Vine also shared a personal anecdote about reconciling with her father before his death, highlighting the profound importance of such resolutions over personal disputes. "I think you get to stage in life where you realise that there are things that are just more important than whatever row it is that you've had over whatever thing it is," she said.
Hitchens also touched upon the enjoyment some people derive from arguments, including his brother Christopher, who famously maintained a years-long quarrel with poet James Fenton over the Falklands War. "I think there's a fun up to a point. I enjoy a good row, within limits according to Queensberry rules myself," Hitchens commented. "And Christophe loved a row."