Prince William to swerve awkward run-in with Harry as he ‘avoids major royal event’

Prince William is set to avoid a potentially awkward encounter with his brother, Prince Harry, by opting out of a major royal event later this month. Despite reuniting briefly at their uncle Sir Robert Fellowes’ memorial service on Thursday, the relationship between the two brothers remains strained. They reportedly did not speak or interact during the service, which took place in Snettisham, Norfolk, where they stood just five yards apart.

Later this month, both brothers are expected to be in New York, but it appears they will not cross paths. Prince Harry, 39, plans to attend the Diana Award ceremony, which marks the 27th anniversary of their mother Princess Diana’s death in a car crash in Paris. Harry is likely to make a solo appearance at the event, while Prince William, 42, seems to be steering clear of New York altogether. Instead of attending the Earthshot Innovation Summit at the Plaza Hotel on September 24, which coincides with the UN General Assembly High-level Week and Climate Week, William is expected to send a video message rather than appearing in person.

A source expressed regret that the brothers could not set aside their differences for an event honoring their late mother. The source said, “It’s a shame that the brothers can’t put everything behind them for an event remembering their mother.” The insider further noted that Prince William has other commitments and will likely not make the trip to New York.

The last time the brothers reportedly spoke was at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022, marking nearly two years since they last communicated. The estrangement between them is described as “dreadfully sad,” particularly given the challenges William has faced recently, including the cancer diagnoses of both his father, King Charles, and his wife, Kate Middleton. The tensions within the royal family continue to be a topic of public interest, with various reports and rumors circulating about the brothers’ strained relationship and their potential for reconciliation.