Prince William’s response to brother Prince Harry’s olive branch in light of Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnosis was reportedly not a “warm” brotherly exchange.
Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex — who reportedly learned the news of Princess Kate’s cancer along with the rest of the world on Saturday — shared a public statement wishing Kate well.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis.
Stream the world’s best reality, entertainment and true-crime shows free on 7plus
The Duke of Sussex also “reached out privately” to extend his and Meghan’s sympathies to his brother and sister-in-law.
Kate revealed on Saturday in a video message she had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, found in tests following her abdominal surgery in January.
“Harry and Meghan have been in contact with William but their private message was simply one of sympathy and didn’t include any suggestion the brothers should make up and let bygones be bygones or that Harry should fly back to the UK soon,” royal expert Tom Quinn told The Mirror.
“There is just too much ill feeling for that. William, who is still hurt by everything Harry has said in the past, has responded but the response is very much engineered by the palace and it’s hardly the kind of warm, informal response you would expect from one brother to another.
“It’s more like the sort of communication you would get between two slightly wary diplomats.”
Harry and Meghan wished Kate well in a public statement on Saturday.
“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” the Sussexes said.
Royal author Phil Dampier reported Harry and Meghan were at the very bottom of the Wales’ priority list when it came to Kate’s health news.
“The Sussexes weren’t told about it because the relationship between William and Harry is at an all-time low,” he told The Sun.
As Kate stated in her video address, the top priority was their three children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8 and Prince Louis, 6.
Royal editor Chris Ship confirmed Harry “reached out to his brother” in light of the news.
“Harry and Meghan have both been in touch with their brother/sister-in-law but did so privately. It not clear if that was a phone/video call or some messages of support,” the ITV editor said.
