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'Separate paths': Harry addresses rumours of a rift with William

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11:  Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial on November 11, 2018 in London, England.  (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Harry has confirmed a rift with Prince William. Photo: Getty

Prince Harry has finally addressed the long-running rumours of a rift between him and his brother Prince William.

The Duke of Sussex opened up in a one-hour documentary about his and wife Meghan Markle’s recent tour of Africa, that gave a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of the couple, their roles as modern royals and how they balance their public duties with their family life.

During filming, presenter Tom Bradby – who has known the duke for fifteen years – asked about the rumours of a royal family rift following the split in the two households.

“Part of this role, part of this job and this family being under the pressure that it is under, inevitably stuff happens,” he responded.

“But we are brothers, we will always be brothers. We are certainly on different paths at the moment but I will always be there for him as I know he will be for me.

Prince Harry interview ITV documentary
Prince Harry confirmed things with his brother weren't perfect. Photo: ITV

He went on to say that though they don’t see each other very often he “loves him dearly.”

While he didn’t directly discuss a potential fall-out, the duke went on to say that the “majority of this stuff is created out of nothing.”

He added: “As brothers you have good days and bad days.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a service marking the centenary of WW1 armistice at Westminster Abbey on November 11, 2018 in London, England. The armistice ending the First World War between the Allies and Germany was signed at Compiègne, France on eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month - 11am on the 11th November 1918. This day is commemorated as Remembrance Day with special attention being paid for this year’s centenary.  (Photo by Paul Grover- WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Rumours of a rift between the 'fab four' began shortly after the royal wedding. Photo: Getty

Immediately after the documentary aired, royal fans headed online to discuss whether his words seemed to confirm a rift between the two families.

Many commented that the duke didn’t actually deny that there had been tensions between the brothers.

Royal rift rumours swirling

Rumours of a royal rift have been spiralling out of control for much for the past 12 months, with Prince Harry even caught on camera trying to dodge his brother, Prince William, on Easter Sunday.

And while many initially thought the tension was between Kate and new sister-in-law Meghan, it was eventually revealed that it was in fact the brothers who were not seeing eye to eye.

Back in April, one author believed she knew what may have started it all.

Katie Nicholl, who wrote the books, Harry and Meghan, Harry, and Kate, believes the separation between the brothers began when Prince William showed hesitation about Harry and Meghan’s relationship ahead of their wedding.

Harry is said to have been left fuming and married Meghan less than two years after they’re said to have met.

“William was concerned about how quickly the relationship had moved and wanted to make sure that Harry was making the right decision,” Katie Nicholl reportedly told Fox News.

“What was intended as well-meaning, brotherly concern and a bit of advice went down quite badly with Harry, who felt William wasn’t being as supportive as he might have been.”

WOKINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 10: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex play during The King Power Royal Charity Polo Day at Billingbear Polo Club on July 10, 2019 in Wokingham, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Harry and William have been on the outs for a while. Photo: Getty

Prince Harry opens up in new documentary

In the same documentary, Harry also spoke about his late mother, Princess Diana, and how he resents media scrutiny.

He and Meghan were in Africa when they announced their intentions to seek legal action against the publishers of a British tabloid which published the duchess’ private letter to her estranged dad, Thomas Markle; the announcement included a scathing statement from Harry decrying “knowingly false and malicious” media coverage.

Harry echoed those sentiments in speaking to Bradby for the ABC documentary. Agreeing that his mother’s death is a “wound that festers,” the prince spoke about the negative aspects of royal life.

“I think [of] being part of this family, in this role, in this job every single time I see a camera, every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash,” he said of Diana’s fame.

“It takes me straight back, so in that respect, it’s the worst reminder of her life as opposed to the best.”

With additional reporting by Marie Claire Dorking.

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