Prince William and Harry’s Rift Enters a ‘Very, Very Cold War’ as UK Return Puts Focus on Royal Divide

Key points

• Amanda Foreman described William and Harry’s relationship as a “very, very cold war.”
• PEOPLE reports that the brothers have not spoken directly for more than two years.
• Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK has renewed public attention on the unresolved family rift.
• Royal author Russell Myers’ 2026 biography provides additional context on William and Catherine’s relationship with Harry.
• There is currently no confirmed public announcement that William and Harry have reconciled.

LONDON, September 16, 2026 — Prince William and Prince Harry remain estranged despite Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK, with royal historian Amanda Foreman describing the brothers’ relationship as having shifted from a “hot war” to a “very, very cold war.”

Foreman made the assessment in an interview with PEOPLE as the publication examined the continuing divide between the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex. She said the brothers have not spoken directly for more than two years and suggested that, even in a “cold war” situation, royal duties can still require people to appear at the same events.

The comments come as Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain has renewed attention on the family relationship. While Harry has sought to rebuild ties with his father, King Charles III, the relationship with William remains a separate and unresolved issue, according to the latest reporting.

Foreman also pointed to the impact of Harry’s previous public criticism of William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. “It was very hard on them,” she told PEOPLE, adding that she understood why William would remain cautious.

Royal author Russell Myers has also described William’s position as firm. In his 2026 biography William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story, Myers examines the long-running tensions surrounding William, Catherine and Harry. The book is presented by its publisher as an account drawing on interviews and access to palace insiders.

The important distinction is that claims about what the royals privately feel or intend remain largely based on commentators, authors and sources rather than public statements from William or Harry themselves. The brothers’ relationship is therefore best understood through their documented public interactions and the attributed accounts surrounding them, rather than speculation about private conversations.

For now, Harry’s return to the UK has brought the family divide back into the spotlight, but there is no confirmed announcement of a reconciliation between the brothers.