The Final Showdown

With the brothers’ rift wider than ever, Prince Charles is stepping in – to save the monarchy

As Prince Harry’s 12-month “abdication” review deadline looms nearer, it seems to have had the opposite effect the royals had hoped.

Instead of Harry realising he’s made a mistake by skipping out on Britain and the royal family to join his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, over in Hollywood, the chasm between himself and his brother Prince William has grown almost irreparably wider.

With Harry, 36, ruffling feathers alongside his wife thanks to their politically charged declarations and pontificating on social media from within their new California home – despite the tacit agreement that royals shouldn’t enter political frays or be seen to “lecture” the public – it’s no wonder sources say William, 38, has “thrown up his hands” in defeat.

“William feels there is no going back,” says a source. “Harry may still have around three months between now and his January deadline but judging by the way he has thrown himself into his very unroyal life in America, William is no longer planning to include him in issues about the family or monarchy.”