Princess Diana’s wish for Prince William and Harry: “Two boys for a reason”

Princess Diana dreamed of her sons always standing side by side. Yet today, Princes William and Harry remain deeply estranged, despite both being united by her lasting influence.

Here are the key insights into their fractured bond.

1. Diana’s Wish for Her Sons to Support One Another

Princess Diana was clear about the role her boys should play in each other’s lives. “Diana always used to say she had two boys for a reason — the younger would be there to support the older in the lonely task as future king,” Diana’s biographer Andrew Morton told PEOPLE.

2. What Diana Would Have Done

According to Morton, the late princess would never have let the relationship spiral this far. “There is no doubt Diana would have tried to act as a peacemaker between them. If she had been around, they would have worked things out in a different way,” he explained.

3. A Shared Childhood of Triumph and Tragedy

William and Harry grew up uniquely bound by their royal roles and their parents’ divorce. Their bond also suffered a tragedy when Diana died in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. At that time William was 15, and Harry was just 12.

4. Worlds Apart Today

Despite their closeness as boys, the brothers now live completely separate lives. Prince William and Kate Middleton are raising George, Charlotte, and Louis in Windsor, while Harry and Meghan Markle are bringing up Archie and Lilibet in California.

The cousins reportedly have “no known relationship” as the rift between the brothers has extended to the next generation.

5. The Rift That Hasn’t Healed

The family divide further increased when Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020. “Things were said that sparked the initial rift, and it’s never healed,” Morton said. Despite Harry’s public hopes for reconciliation, insiders claim William has left his calls and messages unanswered.

6. Carrying Diana’s Torch in Different Ways

Both brothers honour Diana in their work. William has championed causes for the homeless, continuing a mission his mother introduced him to.

Harry, meanwhile, has focused on youth affected by AIDS in Southern Africa, a passion inspired by Diana’s compassion. Though divided, their devotion to her legacy remains a shared thread.

7. Diana’s Spirit Still Shapes Their Parenting

Historian Amanda Foreman notes that both brothers strive to give their children a “genuinely authentic upbringing — and that is pure Diana.” Yet the silence between them is what remains hurtful.