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The strained relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William has been widely reported, with many speculating that William has played a key role in Harry’s difficulties within the royal family. Recent narratives suggest that this tension has existed for decades, affecting Harry’s happiness both personally and publicly.
The “Spare” Heir and the Shadow of William’s Future as King
From the start, Harry was cast in the role of the “spare” to William, the future king. While William’s royal future was assured, Harry faced fewer privileges and, at times, felt sidelined. This dynamic worsened as William’s life progressed into marriage and family, most notably after his wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011.
How William and Kate’s Wedding Affected Harry’s Relationship with Chelsy Davy
At the time of William and Kate’s wedding, Harry was in a serious relationship with Chelsy Davy, a Zimbabwean lawyer. According to royal biographer Robert Lacey, the wedding had a profound impact on Davy, who got her first real taste of the intense scrutiny that came with being a royal. After witnessing the attention Kate endured and the sacrifices she made, Davy decided she couldn’t live that life, leading to the end of her relationship with Harry. Lacey’s book Battle of Brothers highlights how William and Kate’s “grand and glorious” wedding inadvertently led to the breakup, marking the first time Harry lost a relationship to royal life.
Cressida Bonas and the Impact of Royal Life
Harry’s next serious relationship, with actress Cressida Bonas, also fell apart due to the pressures of royal life. Bonas grew uncomfortable with the attention she received as Harry’s girlfriend, and the final straw came in 2014. Watching coverage of William and Kate’s tour of Australia and New Zealand, where they traveled with their baby George, made Bonas realize that this wasn’t the future she wanted. She didn’t want her life — and that of any future children — to be consumed by public duties and scrutiny.
Harry’s Resilience and His Life with Meghan Markle
While Harry faced heartbreak in the past, he has since found love and partnership with Meghan Markle. Together, they’ve faced immense public scrutiny, but Meghan has stood by Harry through both the highs and the lows. Their united front against the challenges of royal life contrasts with his previous relationships, which were ultimately strained by the same pressures.
Harry’s personal struggles, shaped in part by his brother’s royal path, have clearly defined much of his life. But his relationship with Meghan has given him the stability and support he long sought.