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When Prince Harry stepped back from his royal role, Kate Middleton and Prince William had different outlooks, according to a new biography
Russell Myers details the Prince and Princess of Wales' reactions to the news in William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story
Harry's relationship with his brother and sister-in-law has remained strained since
Kate MiddletonandPrince WilliamhandledPrince Harry's step back from royal life differently.
Russell Myers details both the Prince and Princess of Wales' reaction to the seismic decision in his new book,William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story, out March 10. In January 2020, Prince Harry andMeghan Markleannounced their intention to "step back as senior members of the royal family" and split their time between the U.K. and North America.
In an excerpt of Myers' book published byThe Mirror, the author detailed why "Catherine had less interest than her husband in trying to persuade Harry to stay in his current role."
Myers explained, "She believed William and Harry's fundamental differences as the 'heir and the spare' had created the inevitability of Harry wanting more from his role than being a bit-part player."
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On the other hand, the excerpt noted that "William was intensely saddened at his brother's decision to quit."
"He and Harry had been drifting apart for years, but now he knew deep down that there would be no turning back," Myers wrote. "Fond memories of their childhood, from helping each other through the tragedy of their mother's death, to growing up in the public eye, were now tarnished by the division at the heart of the family."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated in 2020 to her home state of California, where they are raising their two children,Prince Archie, 6, andPrincess Lilibet, 4.
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In their initial statement about their step back, Meghan and Harry expressed their hope to become "financially independent" while continuing to support the monarch. However, it was made clear during a meeting dubbed the"Sandringham summit,"led by Queen Elizabeth after the announcement, that there could not be a "half-in, half-out" position.
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In the years since, there has been a distinct rift between Prince Harry and the rest of the royal family, although he did meet with his father,King Charles, most recently in September 2025.
Despite the positive step, Prince Harry's relationship with his older brother remains strained. After their feud exploded into public view in 2020 with Harry and Meghan's step back from royal life, the divide deepened after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Netflix docuseries and Harry's memoir, each delivering criticism of the royal family.
Robert Lacey, author ofBattle of Brothers, told PEOPLE last year: "The rift is very profoundand very long-lasting. It will not be changed, in my opinion, until Harry makes a move and apologizes."
Added historian Amanda Foreman: "Everyone wants it to happen on their terms, but that's what makes it impossible."
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