The Queen and Prince Charles’s priority is keeping William and Harry united for the sake of the monarchy, insiders have revealed.
But they may be too late as the bond that was once so strong between the brothers now seems shattered.
The princes used to be a team, unified in supporting each other after their mother’s death and jointly backing causes such as Harry’s Invictus Games.
Ahead of today’s emergency talks at Sandringham, William told friends how sorry was over the situation.
He said to a pal: “I’ve put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can’t do that any more. We’re separate entities.”
Prince William shares 'sadness' as he admits he and Harry are now 'separate entities'
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A source said their rift stems from William warning Harry not rush into marriage early in his relationship with Meghan.
Harry apparently saw this as an attempt to “clip his wings” and reacted with “typical petulance”.
Kate has since tried to play peacemaker by arranging visits to see Harry and Meghan at their home in Windsor.
And William has expressed hope that he and his brother might become closer again but it’s clear Harry is determined to seek a different life.
William reportedly also told his close friend: “I’m sad about that. All we can do, and all I can do, is try to support them and hope that the time comes when we’re all singing from the same page.
“I want everyone to play on the team.”
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One well-placed insider said: “Much of this situation stems from the breakdown in Harry and William’s relationship. From being so close and supportive of one another for years, they’re moving in such different circles it’s hard to see them repairing the damage.
“Even before the split in their households in 2018 the cracks were there.
“Harry was still trying to find his way after leaving the Army but also found it odd he was having to play second fiddle to William on so many things, especially when exploring his options for charity and patronage roles.”
The insider said Meghan’s disregard for protocol had initially been seen as refreshing and exciting but is now largely regarded as discourteous.
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“This has unfortunately all contributed to the perfect storm, made worse by Harry and Meghan’s insistence on moving too quickly, in a bid to gain the upper hand.
"Now the senior members of the family are left to pick up the pieces, with the Queen and Charles agreeing that the brothers’ relationship must somehow be salvaged for the sake of the monarchy’s standing across the globe.”
Harry and Meghan are also understood to have told Sir Elton John and TV star Oprah Winfrey that they intended to step down before informing the Queen and Charles, further angering the senior royals and their staff.
They only alerted Her Majesty moments before telling the public they intended to divide their time between the UK and North America, and work towards being financially independent.
The royal household fears the couple could end up quitting for good, which would be an “utter tragedy” according to Charles.
So senior royals are considering offering them a high-profile Commonwealth role in a bid to keep them as part of the team.
But Harry and Meghan are said to be “philosophical about the prospect of losing their titles” should it come to that.
The Queen now hopes to hear a concrete plan which allows them to “step back” without further damaging the monarchy.
She appeared downcast as she arrived at church in Sandringham yesterday, while husband Prince Philip, who has not long been discharged
from hospital, was said to be livid about the latest crisis.
Harry is expected to leave the UK on Thursday, after hosting the Rugby League World Cup draw at Buckingham Palace.
A source said of Monday’s crucial showdown: “This is a once-in-a-generation meeting and depending how it goes could have consequences which will echo for decades to come.”
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