Prince William and Prince Harry are often seen by people as very different because the former is the future king and the latter the spare. The Duke of Sussex has always been seen as more fun and relatable. But their close pals said the Duke of Cambridge was just as fun as his younger brother.
Prince William Is Not Always Dull And Dutiful
Daily Mail's royal correspondent Rebecca English spoke with Prince William's close pals. One confidant, who has known the second in line to the throne, told English that contrary to what many believed, Prince William hasn't always been as dull and dutiful. In fact, he was just as playful and fun as his younger brother, Prince Harry.
"Let's just say that, like his younger brother, William enjoyed himself immensely in his teens and 20s. Unlike Harry, though, he was never caught!" the source said and laughed.
According to English's report, Kate Middleton's husband was "always more cautious," who he hung around with and only let down his hair in a small group of trusted friends and in less public places. He knew that he had to be more mindful of what lay ahead.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, his long-term mentor and former private secretary, said that Prince William has deep impressive maturity.
"He hasn't rubbed his hands in glee [at what is to come], but has looked at it in a dutiful way," Lowther-Pinkerton said.
Prince William On Rift With Brother Prince Harry
According to English's sources, Prince William's rift with his younger brother Prince Harry was hard for him. Prince Charles' two sons were both present at the National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral earlier this month as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebration. However, they didn't interact.
Several sources said their relationship has remained strained. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly left the U.K. without speaking to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Initially, the Sussexes invited the Cambridges for their daughter Lilibet's first birthday.
However, Prince William and Kate Middleton were not available as they were set to visit Cardiff Castle in Wales as part of the jubilee celebration. They traveled to Wales with their children, Prince George, 8, and Princess Charlotte, 7, on Lilibet's birthday. They traveled back to London in the evening to attend the Platinum Party at the Palace concert.
"The rift with his brother has been really hard on William," one confidant said. "It's as if he is mourning the relationship he has lost."
The source added, "People don't realise he sort of fathered Harry to a degree. He wasn't just his brother, he was also a parent, always trying to pull Harry back from the brink. But make no mistake, he's angry. He believes Harry has disrespected the Queen and their family."
Stay tuned for more news and updates about the royal family.