Royal editor Rebecca English has strongly criticized suggestions that Prince William should initiate reconciliation with his brother, Prince Harry. Speaking on Palace Confidential, English described calls for the Prince of Wales to be the "bigger man" and reach out to Harry as "absolute rubbish."
English stated that Harry's behavior since "Megxit" has been "nasty" and "vindictive," making reconciliation difficult and that William should not be judged if he chooses not to pursue it. The brothers reportedly have not spoken since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Harry and his children recently returned to the UK, with his children set to start school in the Cotswolds in September.
"It makes me so angry," English said, speaking from a personal perspective rather than solely as a royal journalist. "This whole mounting agenda from certain people, who say it's time that William be the bigger man and extend an olive branch. I say it's absolute rubbish."
She argued that it is challenging to separate the professional and personal aspects of their estrangement due to the nature of Harry's actions. "If a sibling had done to me what Harry has done to William, in terms of attacking him personally, his wife, his family and the institution he works for, I would never speak to them again," English stated. She urged people to understand and respect William's decision if he chooses not to reconcile.
Security Concerns
The conversation also touched upon the issue of taxpayer-funded security for Prince Harry and his family now that they are residing in the UK. Prince Harry lost a Court of Appeal challenge regarding his police protection in May 2025. His security had been reduced in 2020 after he relinquished his role as a working royal and relocated abroad.
Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to the late Queen, cautioned that providing taxpayer-funded protection to the couple could provoke public anger, especially given the current cost of living challenges. However, Alison Boshoff, Editor-at-Large at the Daily Mail, argued that the threats Harry faces as a royal and a veteran are significant enough to warrant security, stating, "It's not a popularity contest. If you need security, you get it."