Prince William appeared to be in his element this week as he launched the Royal Family’s charm offensive for Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK. The Prince of Wales, joined by his wife, the Princess of Wales, was the first to greet the US President as he began his two-day visit, hosted in Windsor this time.
William greeted Mr Trump and his wife, Melania, as their helicopter touched down at Windsor, before attending their ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle. He and Princess Kate even had a private lunch with the American couple before joining them at the glittering state banquet on Wednesday evening.
But a week before, the future King did not meet with his estranged brother, Prince Harry, who had returned to the UK with a busy schedule with various engagements around the country.
Now, according to reports, there is a particular reason why William found time for the US President and not for his own brother, who he has been in a feud with since at least five years ago, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior working royals.
Talk about the heir to the throne being a key player when it comes to bolstering the country’s bond between the UK and the US governments has long been discussed, ever since William’s meeting with Mr Trump in Paris last December.
While the Royal Family remains politically neutral, and Prince William’s opinion of Mr Trump is not known, sources have claimed the heir is more than happy to assist his father, the King, when it comes to playing his “role”.
A source told the Telegraph: “It’s important that we’re not involved in day-to-day politics.
“But when the time is right and there’s an ask for support from His Majesty’s Government, the prince is happy to play his role.”
But when it comes to his brother, William reportedly sees no reason or obligation for them to meet.
Another source told Vanity Fair: “[William] is adamant that he wants nothing to do with his brother.”
The outlet stressed that there is a key difference between Mr Trump and Prince Harry when it comes to William.
It’s writer, Erin Vanderhoof, said: “Having a relationship with the president of the US is a part of his [Prince William’s] job description; having one with his own brother is not.”