Princes Harry and William have briefly joined forces to speak out against a story “speculating” about their relationship amid the chaos surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to “step back” as senior royals.
The brothers released a rare joint statement on Monday in response to an unnamed story that they viewed as “potentially harmful.”
“Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge,” according to their statement, released on Monday and shared with HuffPost.
“For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful,” the statement said.
It’s extremely rare for the royals to publicly issue a personal rebuke on an individual story, especially in a joint statement. The royal family rarely comments on the veracity of reports written about them.
While the brothers didn’t name the story in particular, multiple outlets have reported that the story in question seems to be a report from the U.K.’s Times that says the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were on the receiving end of a “bullying” attitude from the Duke of Cambridge.
William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for an Armistice Service at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 11, 2018. (Photo: POOL New / Reuters)
A report released over the weekend claimed that William told a friend he’s “sad” he and Harry are now “separate entities.”
“I’ve put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can’t do that any more; we’re separate entities,” William reportedly said, per The Sunday Times. “I’m sad about that.”
“All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope that the time comes when we’re all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the same team,” the Duke of Cambridge added.
Harry addressed rumors of a rift with his brother back in October in the ITV documentary “Harry & Meghan: An African Journey.”
“We are brothers. We will always be brothers,” the prince said. “We are certainly on different paths at the moment, but I will always be there for him as I know he will always be there for me.”
“The majority of the stuff is created out of nothing,” he added. “But as brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days.”
William and Harry attend the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial at The Cenotaph on Nov. 10, 2019 in London. (Photo: Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
On Saturday, it was announced that William, Harry and Prince Charles are expected to meet with Queen Elizabeth on Monday for an emergency family meeting. Meghan Markle, who flew back to Canada to be with the couple’s son, Archie, will reportedly dial in to the talks.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced last week that as they step back from their roles as royals, they will be working toward financial independence, reexamining their relationship with the media and splitting time between the U.K. and North America.
Only Buckingham Palace has publicly commented on the move, saying Wednesday that talks with Meghan and Harry are still “at an early stage.”
“We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through,” the palace added.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, walk during their visit in Birkenhead, Britain.
Jan. 16
The Duchess of Sussex arrives for her visit to the Mayhew, an animal welfare charity in London.
Jan. 16
Harry and Meghan attend the premiere of Cirque du Soleil's "Totem" at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Jan. 30
The Duchess of Sussex visits the National Theatre in London.
Jan. 31
Meghan reacts as she leaves after meeting with students and academics from across the Association of Commonwealth Universities at City University in London.
Feb. 1
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit Bristol Old Vic.
Feb. 7
Meghan attends the Endeavour Fund awards at Drapers' Hall in London.
Feb. 12
The Duchess of Sussex attends a gala performance of "The Wider Earth" in support of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust & the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy in London.
Feb. 23
Meghan arrives at Casablanca airport in Casablanca, Morocco.
Feb. 24
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit a local secondary school to meet students and teachers in Asni, Morocco.
Feb. 24
Meghan attends a reception hosted by the British ambassador to Morocco at the British Residence in Rabat during the second day of her tour of Morocco.
Feb. 25
Harry and Meghan visit the Andalusian Gardens to hear about youth empowerment in Rabat, Morocco.
Feb. 25
Harry and Meghan during an audience at King Mohammed VI of Morocco's residence in Rabat.
March 5
The Duchess of Sussex and Princess Anne attend a reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the investiture of the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace in London.
March 6
Harry and Meghan attend the WE Day UK event in Wembley, London.
March 8
The Duchess of Sussex departs after joining a panel discussion to mark International Women's Day at King's College London.
March 11
Meghan attends a Commonwealth Day Youth Event at Canada House in London.
March 11
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London.
March 19
Meghan and Harry depart New Zealand House in London after signing the book of condolence following the New Zealand terror attack that saw at least 50 people killed at a mosque in Christchurch.
May 8
Meghan and Harry are seen with their baby son, Archie, in St. George's Hall at Windsor Castle.
June 8
Meghan and Harry in a horse-drawn carriage during Trooping the Color, the Queen's annual birthday parade, in London.
June 29
Harry and Meghan look on during the pre-game ceremonies before the MLB London Series game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.
June 29
Harry and Meghan join the New York Yankees in their clubhouse and receive gifts for Archie ahead of their match against the Boston Red Sox at the London Stadium.
July 4
Meghan looks on as Serena Williams of the U.S. wins her second-round match against Slovenia's Kaja Juvan at Wimbledon.
July 6
This official christening photograph released by the duke and duchess shows Harry and Meghan with their son, Archie, and other members of the royal family.
July 13
The Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge in the Royal Box ahead of the Wimbledon women's final between Serena Williams of the U.S. and Romania's Simona Halep.
July 14
Harry and Meghan attend "The Lion King" European premiere at Leicester Square in London.
July 28
This undated handout photo issued by Kensington Palace on July 28 shows the Duchess of Sussex, patron of Smart Works, in the workroom of the Smart Works London office.
Sept. 7
Meghan is greeted by Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams' husband, as she arrives at the team box to watch Williams during the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York City.
Sept. 12
Meghan departs after attending the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection in London.
Sept. 23
Meghan visits the Nyanga Township in Cape Town with Harry during their royal tour of South Africa.
Sept. 24
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend Heritage Day public holiday celebrations in the Bo Kaap district of Cape Town, during the royal tour of South Africa.
Sept. 24
Meghan visits Waves for Change, a nongovernmental organization, at Monwabisi Beach with Harry in Cape Town, South Africa.
Sept. 24
Harry and Meghan attend a reception for young people, community and civil society leaders at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Cape Town, South Africa.
Sept. 25
Meghan visits the African not-for-profit organization mothers2mothers in Cape Town on the third day of the royal tour of South Africa.
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