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William's recent reference to Harry not an olive branch, expert says it's a ‘sad indication of…’

A royal commentator has suggested that Prince William's recent reference to his brother Prince Harry is was not an olive branch.

Published on: Oct 30, 2024, 02:25:43 IST
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A royal commentator has suggested that Prince William's recent reference to his brother Prince Harry is a "sad indication" of the brothers' shattered relationship, and not an olive branch. William mentioned his estranged brother in a new documentary, and many have pointed out that it may have been an olive branch.

Prince Harry flew more than 5,000 miles to see his father after King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer. But he did not see his estranged brother, William, during a visit that lasted scarcely 24 hours. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File) (AP)
Prince Harry flew more than 5,000 miles to see his father after King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer. But he did not see his estranged brother, William, during a visit that lasted scarcely 24 hours. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File) (AP)

In a new ITV documentary titled Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, the Prince of Wales talked about his commitment to dealing with homelessness, which was inspired by his visits to shelters with his mother, Princess Diana, and Harry, when the brothers were kids. Royal commentator Phil Dampier, however, dismissed claims that William’s move was an olive branch.

‘It's just a rather sad indication’

"It's been seen by some as an olive branch to Harry because he's mentioned him for the first time in six years in this documentary,” Dampier said. "I don't see it that myself. I think the rift between them is still as wide as ever, unfortunately.”

Dampier added, "It's just a rather sad indication of the fact that something which they could have worked together on, and something which they both experienced at a young age, they're no longer doing. It's just left William on his own, and Harry's not joining in.”

The first time William visited a homeless shelter was in December 1993, when Diana took him and Harry to The Passage, a charity helping newly homeless individuals. "She took Harry and I both there. I must have been about 11, I think probably... Maybe 10. I'd never been to anything like that before,” William said. "I remember at the time kind-of thinking, well if everyone has not got a home, they're all going to be really sad. But it was incredible how happy an environment it was."

The documentary will be broadcast in the UK on Wednesday, October 30, and Thursday, October 31. International audiences can watch it on Disney+ from Friday, November 1.

  • Sumanti Sen
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Sumanti Sen

    Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More

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