William 'shocked' by Harry and Meghan's response to Queen

Prince William is reportedly "shocked and saddened" by brother Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle's final shot at the Queen, calling the couple's final statement "insulting, disrespectful and petulant", according to claims.

The Duke of Cambridge is said to be furious by his brother's statement, according to sources at The Sunday Times.

Over the weekend, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were stripped of their royal patronages, after which Her Majesty suggested a "life of public service" isn't compatible with the couple's new careers in the US.

Not long after the Queen's statement, the couple released their own statement, arguing "service is universal".

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Now, sources are saying this may be the biggest strain on the brothers' relationship yet, with some are even suggesting it's the most serious royal rift in decades.

The Sussexes spent two days last week being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, who flew to meet the couple on her private jet, just hours before they released their statement.

Sources tell The Sun the host's "intimate" access gave her a "real insight" into the royal rift and they believe her interview, which is set to air on March 7, will be "pure gold".

William has reportedly always struggled with Harry and Meghan leaving the royal family as he feels it's added pressure on him.

The Times sources claim William thought the Sussexes statement was "petulant and insulting to the Queen" and he was "really sad and genuinely shocked" and is "very upset by what has happened".

Other royal sources said: "Don't disrespect your granny, Harry," and "You don't answer the Queen back – it's just not done."

A source explained the Queen's stance on what constitutes as public service, saying: "People need to be able to look you in the eye and know that you are here for them, not filming a Netflix documentary.

A royal aide added, "When someone has dedicated their entire life to duty, as she did on her 21st birthday, she understandably has very strong views on what public duty entails."

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