Why Prince Harry’s relationship with William was ‘doomed’ years before Meghan Markle

Prince William and Prince Harry’s relationship was damaged years before Meghan Markle entered the picture, a royal author says.

“People didn’t really acknowledge the fact that there was all this tension between Harry and William ever since they were small children, wrestling in the back of the car,” Christopher Andersen, author of “KATE! The Courage, Grace, and Power of the Woman Who Will Be Queen,” told Page Six in a recent exclusive interview.

Andersen added that it was “made very clear” to Harry that “he was lesser than,” and that “left a real mark on them and really kind of doomed their relationship, ultimately.”

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Prince William and Prince Harry’s relationship was bound to be testy, says a royal author.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

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Royal author Christopher Andersen says there were issues long before Prince Harry met Meghan Markle. The California-based couple is seen here at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.Getty Images
Harry, 41, detailed the different ways the siblings were treated in his explosive memoir, “Spare,” claiming that William, 43, was given a much nicer bedroom in Kensington Palace.

“My half of the room was far smaller, less luxurious,” Harry wrote in the book. “I never asked why. I didn’t care. But I also didn’t need to ask.”

Harry also claims his brother “appeared supremely irritated” when he first heard of the idea for the Invictus Games, which Harry created. He blamed William’s less-than-excited response on their “rivalry.”

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Andersen says there has been “tension” between the brothers since “they were small children.” Here they are with their parents in 1986.Getty Images

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Harry wrote about being treated differently from his brother in his book, “Spare.” The siblings are seen here in 2018.Getty Images
Their relationship deteriorated once Harry began dating Meghan Markle.

Harry writes that the two of them had an argument over unflattering press reports about Markle’s behavior, which quickly turned physical, with William pushing Harry to the ground.

The brothers have reportedly not spoken to each other in several years.

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Andersen says that the Princess of Wales, photographed in 2026, tried to act as a peacemaker.Getty Images

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Middleton moved away so William and Harry could talk privately after Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021.BBC/Reuters
Andersen tells Page Six that William’s wife, Kate Middleton, 44, often tried to “get them back together.”

“She wanted them to make amends,” Andersen says.

Spokespeople for both princes did not return Page Six’s emails for comment.