Royal expert shuts down William, Harry reconciliation after surprise birthday message

A royal expert has warned not to expect a reconciliation between brothers Prince Harry and Prince William, despite the Prince and Princess of Wales sharing the royal family’s birthday post for Harry’s 40th birthday on Instagram and X.

The Duke of Sussex marked the milestone birthday on September 15.

Royal biographer Tom Bower said William and Kate likely shared the birthday post to avoid criticism.

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”William and Kate’s surprise birthday wishes to Harry do not signal a step towards reconciliation,” Bower told Daily Mail.

“Rather it shows that the Waleses don’t want to be criticised as churlish. Being diplomatic costs them nothing and avoids criticism,” he explained.

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“The King understandably has congratulated his son but there’s no evidence of defrosting their relationship.”

Bower referenced Harry’s recent trip to the UK to attend his uncle Robert Fellowes’ funeral two weeks ago, saying he didn’t see his father King Charles and reportedly kept his distance from William.

Since resigning as a senior working royal in January 2020 and relocating to California in the US with wife Meghan and their two children, the couple has spoken openly of their dissatisfaction with their time as working royals.

Harry then released a memoir, Spare, in which he chronicled past grievances to his perceived treatment following his marriage to the Duchess of Sussex.

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King Charles and Camilla led the charge in wishing Harry a “very happy 40th birthday” on the British royal family’s official social media accounts.

This was then shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales’ accounts.

The milestone moment marks the first time in three years Harry’s birthday has been acknowledged by his family in the UK, usually reserved for working royals.

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