Prince William possesses a “ruthless side” and “holds onto grudges,” particularly against those who support Harry and Meghan.

Insights on Prince William’s Character and Relationships

Reports suggest that Prince William possesses a “ruthless personality” and tends to “hold grudges” against those who support his brother, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle.

His temperament has drawn criticism from various royal experts, especially following his recent statement of loyalty to the Church of England, now led by Sarah Mullally, which seems to contrast with his past relationship with Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Expert Roya Nikka mentioned on Times Radio that numerous attempts by Welby and his team to meet Prince William went unanswered for years, suggesting a “wall of silence” between them.

Nikka further stated, “William certainly remembers who takes sides. If you pick the opposing side, he’ll recall it.” This might explain William’s strained relationship with Welby, which appears tied to Welby’s connection with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Harry and Meghan disclosed personal details to Welby, adding another layer to this complicated dynamic.

Notably, in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the couple revealed that Welby had secretly married them before their public ceremony, but the former archbishop consistently denied this claim.

On the flip side, expert Richard Fitzwilliams argues that William’s so-called mean behavior might not be detrimental to the monarchy. He remarked that having a “ruthless personality” can be an asset in today’s world, especially within a highly scrutinized institution like the monarchy.

Fitzwilliams elaborated, praising William’s abilities as a discerning judge of character and commending his diplomatic skills. He noted, “His approach with Welby’s contacts during his time as Archbishop was wise.” The former archbishop had formed a friendship with Harry and Meghan during their wedding preparations in 2018, which added tension to William’s viewpoint.

Fitzwilliams also mentioned that the prior remarks from Welby caused a stir, leading to his resignation due to not reporting allegations of abuse involving British barrister John Smith.

Despite potential downsides of William’s behavior, Fitzwilliams views it as a necessary trait for effective leadership. He articulated that maintaining distance from potential successors, like Mulally, was prudent given the current climate surrounding the royal family.

William’s displeasure seems to extend to various figures, including former friends and family like Harry and Markle, as well as relatives such as Prince Andrew and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. It’s noted that since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge haven’t met with Harry and Meghan.

The underlying reasons for this rift stem primarily from Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties, with William believing their actions have harmed the family for personal gain—a sentiment that he has not forgiven or forgotten.