Prince Harry, once inseparable from his brother Prince William, has shared a heartfelt glimpse into his early days of fatherhood. Despite his natural paternal instincts, Harry admitted to experiencing a "struggle" after welcoming his first child, Prince Archie, in 2019 with his wife Meghan Markle. The Duke of Sussex spoke about these challenges during a Movember event in Melbourne, Australia, highlighting the difficulties of those initial weeks as a new dad.
“The role (fatherhood) gives you purpose. Those days, weeks, after birth are a real struggle,” Harry candidly shared.
Back then, Harry was still a working royal and maintained communication with William, though their bond wasn't as tight as it once was.
The dynamic between the royal siblings wasn't as close during this pivotal time. Former royal editor Duncan Larcombe speculated that if the brothers had maintained their close relationship, Harry might have felt "less isolated" during his transition into fatherhood. "William had young kids already when Archie was born and he experienced the same childhood as Harry, so he would have been the perfect person for him to talk to," Larcombe noted.
Harry's journey into fatherhood without the support of his brother seems to have been a lonely one. The protective nature William once had for Harry could have offered the Duke of Sussex guidance and comfort.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry's relationship with William has become fraught with tension. The brothers have reportedly drifted apart, largely due to Harry's memoir "Spare" and his public criticism of the royal family. While the exact status of their communication remains unclear, fans are hopeful for a reconciliation. With Harry slowly rebuilding his relationship with King Charles, there's a glimmer of hope that the two brothers might mend their bond in the future.