The royal family feud just got a whole lot more interesting.
Prince William has been keeping his distance from his brother Harry for years now, and royal experts are finally spilling the beans about why.
And Prince William exposed one truth about Meghan Markle that left royal experts revealing everything about what’s really going on behind palace doors.
William’s Trust Issues Run Deeper Than Anyone Realized
The heir to the British throne isn’t just being stubborn about his relationship with Harry – he’s making calculated decisions based on what he’s witnessed firsthand.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward, who’s been covering the monarchy for over two decades, didn’t mince words when she told Fox News Digital exactly what William thinks about his sister-in-law.
"The flea in the ointment really is very much Meghan," Seward claimed. "She’s disliked intensely by a large number of the monarchists of this country. They see her as being very… damaging to the royal family. And also, I think a lot of people in America feel the same. They don’t like that Meghan [reportedly] dissed her husband’s family and dissed her own family."
But here’s where it gets really interesting.
Seward pointed out something that she says people find "extremely odd" – Meghan’s estrangement from her own father.
"It’s just extraordinary to think that her children have not met their grandfather," Seward said, referring to former Hollywood lighting director Thomas Markle.
Think about that for a second.
Harry has never even met his wife’s father, and Meghan’s own children don’t know their grandfather.
"I mean, Harry’s never even met her father, which is extraordinary," Seward said.
The Pattern That Has William Concerned
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich also told Fox News Digital that many in the U.K. have "an unfavorable" view of the Duchess of Sussex, 44.
But William’s concerns go beyond public opinion.
"Persistent lack of trust is the main reason why senior royals remain reluctant to engage in reconciliation efforts," Fordwich claimed. "Their concerns are well-founded, that any private family discussions could become public or be used for commercial projects… [Meghan]… has no sense of duty towards the British public nor the institution."
This isn’t just about family drama – it’s about protecting an institution that’s lasted over a thousand years.
Harry Chose His Side Years Ago
Here’s what really happened, according to the experts who’ve watched this unfold.
Seward pointed out to Fox News Digital that William has "taken a firm stance" in keeping his distance amid the couple’s tell-alls in recent years. However, Harry has made it clear that his brother was "unpleasant" to Meghan, she argued.
"Harry thinks that William insulted Meghan," said Seward. "I think when you have that kind of animosity, it’s really hard to [get around it]. I just don’t see any kind of reparation. I just don’t see it at this moment."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left their royal roles in 2020, and what followed was a series of public revelations about their time in the palace.
Harry’s memoir "Spare" detailed explosive allegations, including claims that William branded Meghan both "difficult" and "rude" during a heated 2019 confrontation that Harry says turned physical.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital that "a mistrust of Meghan" is "a major reason" why William won’t engage with his brother, but only one of many.
"William feels Harry has betrayed the royal family," Fitzwilliams explained. "Given… the personal attacks on him in the memoir ‘Spare,’ reconciliation is likely to be a tough call with the [Prince of Wales]."
The Real Tragedy Behind the Feud
So here’s what’s really happening behind all the palace intrigue.
King Charles, who’s battling cancer, also won’t speak to Harry – and it’s for the same reason William keeps his distance.
"I think that Harry is… very saddened by the fact that he has failed to reconcile at least with his father," said Seward. "But it is not that his father doesn’t love him. It’s because his father doesn’t trust his son not to repeat what he says. He can’t have that happen. So it’s easier for [the royal family] to avoid the issue."
The King can’t risk having private family conversations end up in another tell-all book or Netflix documentary.
"It’s human nature, really, to just avoid confrontation. If you can’t deal with it, and you don’t know how to deal with it, or if there’s no way of dealing with it, you just avoid it. And you can do that easily when you have a very, very busy life," Seward added.
And while Harry told the BBC in May that he wants reconciliation with his family, saying "I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore," the damage might already be done.
The last time the brothers were together at a memorial service for Lord Fellowes last August, they reportedly didn’t even speak to each other.
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that he believes "members of the royal family do not trust Meghan," and questioned whether the mistrust extends to everyone or is primarily William’s concern.
But Seward doesn’t see Meghan, who is raising two children in California, returning to the U.K. anytime soon.
"I don’t think that Meghan has any intention of wanting to come back and live in the U.K.," she said. "Why should she? She’s got a beautiful house in Montecito. She’s got a lot of work in LA. Her friends are there. Her life is there. Why would she want to come back here? No reason at all. I certainly wouldn’t if I were her. Why would you come back to a country where people really didn’t like you or want you?"
Look at what just happened here.
William recognized something about Meghan’s character early on – her willingness to cut ties with her own family and exploit royal connections for personal gain.
He’s been proven right on both counts.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have built their post-royal careers on attacking the very institution that gave them their platform in the first place.
And meanwhile, Meghan’s own father still hasn’t met his grandchildren.
That tells you everything you need to know about the character assessment that’s keeping this royal family divided.
¹ Stephanie Nolasco and Ashley Papa, "Prince William’s mistrust of Meghan Markle is stalling peace with Prince Harry: author," Fox News, August 19, 2025.
