A swirl of speculation has reignited claims of deepening rifts within the British royal family, with some media outlets alleging that Prince William confronted King Charles III over his younger brother Prince Harry‘s continued criticism of the monarchy.

The story, which claims William demanded his father choose between sons, has drawn international attention but remains unverified and unsupported by credible sources.

The Tabloid Allegation

The controversy stems from a late-September report by an unnamed celebrity magazine, which claimed that Prince of Wales, 43, confronted the King at Balmoral Castle during a private family retreat. The alleged exchange reportedly followed Harry’s latest televised comments revisiting his grievances about the royal household, including remarks about Queen Camilla.

The outlet alleged that William told his father, ‘it’s him or Harry,’ pressing Charles to sever ties with his younger son after feeling his parents had been ‘burned again’ in public.

However, no reputable British or international media outlet has corroborated this account. Both Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace have declined to comment, maintaining the royal family’s long-standing policy of not engaging with speculation about private family matters.

What Has Been Confirmed

What is factual is that tensions remain between the royal brothers. Since the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare in early 2023, communication between him and William has been minimal.

King Charles, who revealed in February 2025 that he was receiving cancer treatment, continues to fulfil select official duties where possible. His health has been the subject of frequent online speculation, but official updates and Buckingham Palace statements indicate that he remains active in state functions.

Earlier this year, Harry expressed interest in meeting his father during a visit to the UK. Although that meeting did not take place due to scheduling conflicts, Newsweek confirmed that the pair later met privately at Clarence House in September — their first in over a year. William was not present at that meeting, reinforcing perceptions of continuing estrangement between the brothers.

The Broader Context: Strained But Civil

Royal correspondents generally agree that King Charles wishes for reconciliation between his sons. As reported by several seasoned commentators, the monarch is said to have ‘a deep desire for peace within his family,’ even as communication remains sporadic.

Prince William, in contrast, has reportedly prioritised his royal duties and family life with the Princess of Wales, keeping a deliberate distance from controversies surrounding Harry and Meghan.

Observers stress caution when interpreting tabloid narratives. As royal biographer Robert Hardman noted in The Daily Telegraph, ‘much of what’s written about supposed royal showdowns exists in the realm of fiction until proven otherwise.’

For now, the available evidence paints a more nuanced picture, not of dramatic ultimatums, but of a family navigating lingering strain while maintaining royal continuity with Charles seeking peace, William focused on stability, and Harry maintaining sporadic ties with the monarchy.