At a recent royal event, Prince William gave a speech that caught people’s attention because many thought he was taking a subtle jab at his brother, Prince Harry. This happened while tensions between the brothers grew since Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from their royal duties in 2020. The speech was focused on the idea of “service,” a theme that King Charles also mentioned during his coronation on May 7, 2023. This focus on service has sparked fresh discussions about Harry’s choice to leave his royal responsibilities.
During the event, Prince William’s words were similar to what King Charles said at the coronation. He talked about how important service is to the monarchy, which has always been a big part of the royal family’s role. Many people felt that this emphasis on service was a direct dig at Harry. Social media users quickly reacted, with one person saying, “Service, Harry. Do you hear that? Not a free ride,” and another adding, “SERVICE. Something Harry doesn’t understand,” showing the ongoing division between the brothers.
“service” has been a sensitive topic since Harry and Meghan decided to leave royal life in early 2020. Back then, Buckingham Palace made it clear that public service comes with responsibilities, and stepping away from those duties would have consequences. The Palace stated, “It is not possible to continue with responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.” Since then, the tension over service and independence has created a rift between Harry and the rest of the royal family.
While Prince William’s speech honored King Charles’ dedication to public service, many saw it as a subtle reminder to Harry about what he gave up. The tension between William and Harry has put their father, King Charles, in a tough spot. He is reportedly trying to maintain good relationships with both of his sons. According to some sources, King Charles has had private meetings with Kate Middleton to find a way to fix the strained relationship, but it hasn’t been easy.
In this ongoing family issue, Prince William’s recent comments have only added more fuel to the fire, making the gap between him and Harry even wider.