Prince William and Prince Harry were once very close brothers, sharing childhood memories and the deep bond of losing their mother, Princess Diana, at a young age. However, over the years, especially after Harry stepped back from royal duties, their relationship has become strained, and the brothers haven’t spoken for years. Many wonder if the rift began only when Harry left the royal family, but according to Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, the roots may run much deeper.
Paul Burrell, who was close to the royal family and served as Diana’s butler, shared insights into the brothers’ early years. He described a particular incident that may have planted the seeds of rivalry between them. In their childhood, a nanny once told William, “I’m going to give you three sausages, William. You need to grow big and strong, because you’re going to be king one day.” This simple but blunt comment seemed to affect young Harry deeply.
Burrell recalled seeing the look on Harry’s face at the table and understanding how the message made him feel like he was always in second place, the “spare” to William’s “heir.” Their mother had tried to raise them both as normally as possible, but this moment quietly highlighted the differences in their futures and treatment.
The tension between the brothers has only grown with time. After Harry moved to the U.S. with Meghan Markle and stepped away from royal life in 2020, rumors of a “Battle of the Brothers” escalated. With William preparing to become king and talk of coronation invitations causing speculation, the divide seems more prominent than ever.
Despite all this, some royal experts believe the two might reconcile someday. However, the lasting impact of that childhood moment, combined with years of distance and disagreements, continues to shape their complicated relationship. Only time will tell if the brothers can heal the wounds that began in their youth.
