Prince William is "reluctant to trust Harry and Meghan" as Princess Kate is taking on the role of "peacemaker", according to a source.
The Princess of Wales is said to be determined to end the brotherly estrangement that has persisted since Harry and Meghan relocated to California.
The brothers' relationship deteriorated following Harry and Meghan's departure from royal duties and their subsequent move to the United States.
Their rift was publicly exposed through a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, a Netflix documentary in 2022, and most notably in Harry's memoir "Spare" published in 2023.
Prince William 'reluctant to trust Harry and Meghan' as Kate takes on key role
Getty
According to the source, Kate believes that distance has only worsened tensions between the brothers.
"She's not pushing hard, but she is quietly encouraging William to soften his heart towards his brother and to keep an open mind," the insider continued to tell Heat Magazine.
The source added that William remains "very reluctant to trust Harry and Meghan."
The Princess of Wales's motivation reportedly extends beyond family harmony to setting an example for her own children.
Meghan and harry stepped back from official royal duties in 2020Getty"Kate feels they ought to set a good example for their own kids," the source explained. "It breaks her heart to imagine something like this happening to them, so she wants to show them that family is worth fighting for."
Prince Harry is scheduled to return to the UK next month for his ongoing legal battle with the Home Office regarding his security arrangements.
The Duke of Sussex is contesting the decision to remove his publicly-funded security when in Britain.
Whether Harry will meet with any Royal Family members during this visit remains uncertain. The source claimed Kate would welcome the opportunity for a family gathering during Harry's April trip.
Prince Harry and Prince William have had a strained relationship since Harry moved to California PALATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Princess Kate pictured and Meghan Markle together in 2018PA"There aren't any firm plans for the family to get together with Harry when he visits in April, but it's something Kate would welcome," the insider said. "If it were up to her, she'd love them all to sit down and talk things through."
The source acknowledged that reconciliation remains challenging as "William and Harry see things so differently."
Kate is reportedly unable to force a resolution between the brothers.
"She's doing what she can behind the scenes, but ultimately, it's up to William and Harry," the insider added.
Despite Kate's efforts, the source concluded that "only time will tell if they can let the animosity go."
