Why Prince William would be jealous of Prince Harry’s freedom

As the world prepares for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games and Prince Harry’s return to the UK next week, sources close to the royal family say the annual event is a source of tension between him and his older brother , Prince William. It’s not just about the success of the games, according to sources, but about Harry having the opportunity to pursue his passions and explore different avenues that don’t involve the monarchy.

“William is a little envious of (his brother’s) freedoms,” a close source said. Us every week. Ed Owens, royal historian and author of After Elizabeth: can the monarchy save itselfechoed that sentiment, saying Harry’s successes with Netflix, the Invictus Games and his life in California, away from the watchful eye of the British public, may seem alluring to William.

“Harry has done some remarkable things,” Owen shared, adding that Harry “now has an international presence, and I think the international stage is something that both brothers are clearly competing for. That international visibility really sets the work apart of Harry from that of other members of the royal family.

Last February, British journalist Robert Jobson told the outlet that the success of the games made William jealous of his only brother and that he was surprised to see how well received they were by people around the world, not just by royal fans but by entire nations. .

“I think there was some jealousy about how well everything had gone,” Jobson told the ABC News special. Prince Harry’s mission: life, family and the Invictus games. “I think William was surprised at how successful it had been, and how much money had been invested in it and how many governments were involved.”

Of course, news of tensions between the brothers made headlines with the publication of Harry’s memoir, Spare. In 2023, while discussing the book, Harry referred to William as “his nemesis”.

“There’s always been this competition between us, weirdly,” Harry said during an appearance on Hello America in January 2023. “I think it really plays or always plays by the “heir/reserve”. »

Sources close to the Sussexes say the jealousy is one-sided and that Harry is feeling good about his upcoming visit and all the causes he supports. It’s still unclear whether Harry will have time to see any of his family members when he’s across the Atlantic, as King Charles currently has a booked schedule and Kate Middleton is following a cancer treatment.

“Harry is very happy (and) doesn’t have any of those (old) feelings now,” a source shared. “He feels that his life has purpose and meaning and that he can bring a lot of good to the world.”