Amid their ongoing rift, and will show their support separately for their mother, the late , and her charity this week.
The two are sending separate congratulatory messages to the winners of the Diana Award in a virtual ceremony on Thursday, December 5. The Diana Award aims to honor young people working to change the world “through a range of initiatives which unlock their potential, inspire action and create opportunities, ensuring that no young person is left out or left behind,” according to the charity’s website.
William, 42, and Harry, 40, will follow a similar plan used during a March event at the Science Museum in London. William attended in person, then left before a video recording of his brother played.
The two have publicly navigated a rocky relationship for more than five years, only appearing together sporadically during their ongoing estrangement. The brothers did appear together in person during the 2023 coronation of their father, , but sat separately and did not seem to interact. Nearly a year later, Harry and wife learned of ’s cancer diagnosis not from a family member but via news reports.
“The brothers reportedly haven’t been in contact for months and trust has completely broken down,” royal historian told TIME in March 2024.
Since Princess Kate’s diagnosis, Harry has reportedly attempted to contact his brother, but William has not returned his calls and texts, according to a source.
Harry and William both appeared at their uncle, ’, funeral, but did not appear to speak to each other then, either.
William sent winners of the Diana Award a message on December 4 in which he shared his congratulations and reflected on his mother’s memory.
“At times, the world can feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place and I know many of you have had to work hard to overcome barriers to make positive change,” he wrote. “Despite this, I am heartened to see what inspirational young people like you can achieve.”
“I know my mother, in whose memory you receive the Diana Award today, would be immensely proud of you,” he added. “I hope this award helps you to further champion your cause and support those around you.”
Harry will appear on video Thursday to give his congratulations virtually to award recipients, including , 18, of Indonesia and , 27, of Jamaica, whom he met with in September on a visit to New York City.
“I applaud you for certainly, [at] your age, to be on this stage, to have the confidence that you do, and to be able to speak as clearly and as passionately as you do,” he told the recipients at the time. “And I know that my mom would be incredibly proud of you guys, not just you, but all of the award winners.”
