Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Harry vs. William: The Royal Rivalry Heats Up!

Prince Harry playfights using balloon swords with nine-year-old Gwen Foster

ROYAL RUMBLE: HARRY'S TRIUMPHANT TOUR LEAVES WILLIAM AND KATE IN THE SHADOWS

In a shocking turn of events, Prince Harry's whirlwind four-day "pseudo royal tour" has left the royal family reeling, with many asking why his brother, William, and wife, Kate, have chosen to hide away from the spotlight. As Harry charmed his way through engagements in London, it seems that the Palace is facing a crisis of credibility.

Behind the scenes, tensions are simmering between King Charles and his son, Prince William. According to respected royal biographer Tina Brown, the King is "less irritated" by Harry's antics than he is by William's lack of commitment to his royal duties. It appears that the King has taken umbrage with William's constant references to giving his children a "normal family life," which Brown suggests are a subtle dig at the King's own parenting deficiencies.

Kate and William visit the Natural History Museum's new gardens in London earlier this week

The numbers don't lie: despite his ongoing treatment for cancer, King Charles has carried out an astonishing 175 official engagements in the past year. In contrast, Prince William has managed a paltry 107, while Kate's royal workload amounts to a mere 37. It seems that the Palace is under pressure to deliver, and William is facing increasing scrutiny over his lack of dedication.

Meanwhile, Harry's tour was a resounding success, with the Duchess of Sussex by his side. The couple's chemistry was undeniable as they laughed and joked with children in need, generating headlines and capturing the world's attention. It's a far cry from the somber Prince William, who spent World Suicide Prevention Day chairing a conference in Cardiff.

But while Harry was busy high-fiving staff at the Diana Awards and visiting war-torn Ukraine, Kate was stuck at textile factories, attending not one but two events. It's a stark contrast to her husband's lack of engagement, and raises questions about whether the Palace is prioritizing the right members of the royal family.

Tina Brown's bombshell claims have sparked a heated debate within the Palace, with many wondering if William is indeed being unfairly criticized. After all, who wouldn't want to prioritize their wife and young children during her recovery from cancer treatment? It seems that the Palace is caught in a web of intrigue, with royal duties taking a backseat to family vacations.

In the past seven months alone, the Waleses have enjoyed five luxurious getaways, leaving many to wonder if they're more interested in their personal lives than their public duties. It's a worrying trend for the monarchy, which has seen support plummet from 86 percent in the Eighties to its lowest level since records began – with only half of Brits now backing the institution.

The writing is on the wall: Harry's triumphant tour has been a masterclass in PR, and it's clear that he's the one carrying the torch for the royal family. Whether or not he'll draw on his success in future ventures remains to be seen – but one thing's for sure: William's lack of engagement will only exacerbate the Palace's problems.

As we reflect on Harry's whirlwind tour, one question lingers: what does this mean for the future of the monarchy? Will Prince William finally step up and take his place as a committed royal, or will he continue to hide in the shadows? Only time will tell, but one thing's certain – the Palace is facing its biggest challenge yet.

Sources:

  • Tina Brown, "Fresh Hell Substack"
  • The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com)