Why Prince Harry and Prince William were never really close, even as kids

Prince Harry and Prince William’s bitter estrangement may have shocked royal fans, but according to a former royal insider, cracks in their bond were always there.

Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler and confidant, revealed that the brothers’ relationship was “complicated” from childhood due to their distinct personalities and royal destinies. 

Speaking to Express.co.uk on behalf of Casino, Burrell said: “William, as a child, was very studious, quite shy and careful. Harry was the reverse, the joker, the wild card, always having fun.”

Burrell described how William’s path was predetermined as future King, while Harry’s future was uncertain, making their dynamic challenging: “It was a lot easier and plain sailing for William. His map was already made, and Harry’s wasn’t.”

Despite their differences, Burrell insisted Diana raised them equally: “There was no difference between them in her eyes.”

Though the brothers appeared close publicly, Burrell suggested their sibling dynamic was always more complex behind palace doors. 

The relationship reportedly deteriorated further after Harry’s 2020 royal exit and the release of his explosive memoir Spare in 2023, in which he criticized William heavily.

RELATED: Prince William 'will never forgive' Harry for 'insults' directed at Kate Middleton