Prince Harry and William would ‘fight dirty’ and hit each other ‘where it hurts’

In a revealing look at the childhood of Princes Harry and William, Robert Jobson’s 2013 book “The New Royal Family: Prince George, William and Kate, The Next Generation” provides a glimpse into their early years, detailing their spirited and often rough interactions. Ken Wharfe, a former royal protection officer, shared that the two brothers engaged in intense play fights, sometimes hitting each other where it hurt most. This behavior was reportedly encouraged by their mother, Princess Diana, who found their boisterousness endearing. Despite the occasional tears and injuries, their relationship was marked by a deep, playful bond.

These insights contrast sharply with the current public perception of their relationship, which has been strained in recent years. Once inseparable, the brothers have experienced a significant rift, exacerbated by various personal and public issues. One particularly poignant aspect of their childhood was how they coped with the pressures of royal life. Diana sought to provide them with as normal an upbringing as possible, often taking them to fast-food restaurants and amusement parks. These moments of normalcy were interspersed with their royal duties, creating a unique blend of experiences that shaped their characters.

Wharfe’s anecdotes reveal how Diana’s parenting style emphasized both discipline and freedom. She allowed the boys to express themselves physically and emotionally, fostering a sense of independence and resilience. This approach was evident in their rough-and-tumble play, where boundaries were pushed but brotherly love ultimately prevailed. The brothers’ dynamic was a mix of camaraderie and competition, each pushing the other to be stronger and more resilient. This competitive streak, however, also meant that their fights could become quite intense, often requiring intervention from adults to prevent them from getting out of hand.

Despite their frequent clashes, the bond between Harry and William was strong, underscored by mutual respect and affection. Their childhood was filled with adventures and mischief, from playing pranks on palace staff to exploring the vast royal estates. These shared experiences created a foundation of trust and loyalty, elements that seemed unshakeable at the time. However, as they grew older and took on different roles within the royal family, their paths began to diverge. William, as the future king, had a more structured and duty-bound trajectory, while Harry’s role was more flexible, allowing him to explore various interests, including his military career.

The brothers’ relationship faced its most significant test in recent years, particularly following Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle and their subsequent departure from royal duties. Reports of a falling out between the siblings have dominated headlines, with many attributing the rift to differences in their personal and professional lives. Prince William has reportedly imposed a strict ban on Harry rejoining the royal fold, a move that starkly contrasts with their once close-knit relationship. This separation is a far cry from their childhood days of playful roughhousing and mutual support.

The book by Jobson and Wharfe’s recollections provide a poignant reminder of the princes’ once unbreakable bond. It paints a picture of two brothers who, despite their differences, shared a deep connection rooted in their unique upbringing. Their playful fights, while seemingly trivial, were a manifestation of their love and competition, preparing them for the challenges of royal life. As they navigate their current estrangement, these memories serve as a testament to the enduring, albeit complicated, nature of their brotherhood. The hope remains that they might find common ground once again, drawing on the strength of their shared past to rebuild their relationship for the future.