Prince William Is Reportedly Having an “I Told You So” Moment After Prince Harry’s U.K. Return

 

• According to a new report from Us, Prince William was “much less optimistic” than his father, King Charles, after Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet moved back to the U.K. in late August.
• The Prince of Wales is “having an ‘I told you so’ moment,” a source told the publication.
• Any drama caused by Harry “takes them further away from reconciliation,” the insider said of the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales.

When Prince William learned of his brother Prince Harry’s intention to move back to the U.K. with wife Meghan Markle and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, a source told Us that he had “cautious optimism” that Harry and Meghan’s return would “not stir up drama.”

But, the insider added, the Prince of Wales “was much less optimistic than the king [Charles] and was proven right, because right now he’s having an ‘I told you so’ moment.”

Queen Camilla, King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry in 2017.

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The Sussex family arrived back on U.K. soil on August 26 after six years away, living in the U.S.—Montecito, California, specifically—during that timeframe. By September 7, King Charles released a letter written on his behalf where he clarified that Harry and Meghan were “private citizens” and not returning to the working royal roles they left in 2020 to move to the United States. He also added that the couple were not to use their respective His and Her Royal Highness (HRH) stylings. The statement left Harry and Meghan taken aback, as a spokesperson for the couple said they were “a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance” (per the BBC).

A source speaking to Us said that “William has not spoken to Harry,” and added, “William also hasn’t gotten over all the stress that Harry and Meghan caused leading up to Kate [Middleton]’s cancer diagnosis. She finally reached remission, only for them to come back to the U.K. and create more stress for everyone.” Any drama “takes them further away from reconciliation,” the insider said.

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Prince Harry and Prince William on May 18, 2018.

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William and Harry aren’t thought to have spoken since the September 2022 funeral of their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth—four years ago. Though they were in the same space in 2024 for the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, they did not interact.

Harry and Meghan’s return to the United Kingdom “was a shock to William and Kate,” a source told Us, further noting that the Prince and Princess of Wales were “blindsided” by the decision.

“They’re still processing it, but their initial surprise has evolved, and they’re taking a wait-and-see approach,” the insider added. Former royal butler Grant Harrold—who worked for Charles from 2004 to 2011—told the outlet, “William will be watching his brother very closely and trying to work out what his game plan is.”

Prince Harry and Prince William on July 10, 2018.

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As for a potential reconciliation—it apparently won’t be imminent. “No one’s booking a table for two for William and Harry,” a source told Us. “Everyone wants a reunion story, but it’s not something that’s in the cards.”

“If fences do get mended, it will be a slow and private process, and on William’s terms,” the insider continued.

The Duke of Sussex turns 42 years old on September 15, in just two days’ time. The Prince of Wales, for his part, will carry out a solo engagement on Tuesday in Princetown, Hello! reported.