Prince William Reflects on Childhood and Charity Amid Rift with Prince Harry
Some view the mention as a potential step toward mending their relationship.
Prince William’s recent mention of his brother, Prince Harry, in an upcoming ITV documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, has generated a range of responses from royal experts.
Some view the mention as a potential step toward mending their relationship, while others see it as a poignant reminder of their ongoing rift.
The documentary, airing this week, delves into William’s commitment to addressing homelessness, a cause he first encountered alongside his mother, Princess Diana, and Prince Harry. The brothers visited The Passage—a UK-based charity supporting newly homeless individuals—back in December 1993.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, William recalled, “She took Harry and me both there. I must have been about 11, maybe 10. I’d never been to anything like that before.”
For William, the visit was transformative. “If everyone has not got a home, they’re all going to be really sad,” he remembered thinking. But the shelter surprised him with its uplifting environment, leaving a profound impact on the young prince.
In the documentary, William’s reference to Harry has caught public attention, with some interpreting it as an “olive branch” to his younger brother. However, royal commentator Phil Dampier expressed skepticism, saying, “I don’t see it that way myself.
I think the rift between them is still as wide as ever, unfortunately.” He emphasized the missed potential for the brothers to collaborate on homelessness, an issue they both explored as children.
Observers noted that William’s solo efforts in charity work underscore the growing distance between the two. “It’s just left William on his own, and Harry’s not joining in,” a commentator remarked, highlighting the isolation William may feel in his advocacy.
The timing of the documentary has also sparked interest, with Prince William’s program set to premiere on Disney+ for international audiences on November 1, while Harry’s upcoming Netflix series will launch just a month later.
As both brothers pursue their separate paths, the documentary serves as a powerful look into William’s motivations and the lasting influence of Princess Diana, while also pointing to the deepening gap in their once-close bond.