ANALYSIS: Although not a deeply personal note, Prince William’s willingness to acknowledge his brother on his birthday demonstrates how he will treat his brother when he becomes King – with distant respect and at more than arm’s length.

Diana Statue Unveiling At Kensington Palace

Prince William will treat Prince Harry with ‘distant respect’ when he becomes King (Image: Getty)

Prince William and Princess Kate’s public recognition of Prince Harry’s 40th birthday this morning, via a brief social media post, signals a willingness to acknowledge him with a sense of distant respect.

While no personal phone call between the brothers is expected today, the tweet marks the first time in recent years that the Prince and Princess of Wales have extended what could be seen as an olive branch to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Earlier today, King Charles also publicly wished his youngest son a happy birthday, posting a message from his and Queen Camilla’s official X account.

The post was accompanied by a smiling photo of Prince Harry, impeccably dressed and seemingly carefree.

These gestures come after several years of deepening tensions within the Royal Family, marked by high-profile interviews, TV specials, and a tell-all memoir that have appeared to drive a wedge between Harry and his relatives.

Since stepping down as a working royal in 2020, Prince Harry has settled in Montecito, California, with his wife, Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.

He has described his family as “the best gift” he’s ever received.

Despite the public birthday message from the Prince of Wales, sources suggest that a meaningful reconciliation between the brothers remains unlikely.

Although not a deeply personal note, William’s willingness to acknowledge his brother on his birthday demonstrates how he will treat his brother when he becomes King – with distant respect and at more than arm’s length.

Their relationship has been strained since Harry’s departure from royal duties and his subsequent revelations about family life in his memoir Spare.

The State Funeral Of Queen Elizabeth II

Prince William and Prince Harry have not been photographed together since the late Queen’s funeral (Image: Getty)

The two did not engage during a recent memorial service for their late uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, held in the UK.

And although Harry has expressed excitement about turning 40, it is understood that no member of the Firm will fly to the United States to mark the milestone.

Harry is expected to celebrate his birthday privately in Montecito, surrounded by close family and friends.

In addition to the gathering, he has planned a hiking trip in the nearby California mountains with a few of his closest pals.