King Charles' hidden message to Prince William about feud with brother Harry

The monarch extended an olive branch at Christmas time, which one royal expert believes was his way of sending a message to his warring sons about the state of their relationship

King Charles sent a message to Prince William about his relationship with Prince Harry by extending an olive branch to another royal family member, according to an expert.

Onlookers were shocked to see Prince Andrew attending the Christmas Day service at Sandringham with the rest of the royals in 2023. He was joined by his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, marking her first Christmas appearance since she last attended in 1992.

Many believed that Charles's decision to invite his disgraced brother was his way of sending a message to William and Harry about forgiveness in the midst of their own feud.

Royal author Robert Jobson told the Daily Mail, writing, "Perhaps the King is subliminally trying to show William forgiving one's brother and giving him a second chance is a strength, not a weakness. Prince William disagrees – and as for his own brother, as far as he is concerned there is no way back."

Rumours of a possible reconciliation were fuelled earlier this month when both Charles and William acknowledged Harry's 40th birthday on social media.

But while some saw it as a sign that William is softening his stance, others believe it was merely a case of taking the high road - and that William's position has not changed.

Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively told OK! about the olive branch extended to Harry: "I think he would have been pleased...and maybe, just maybe, he picked up the phone to call his father in response. Or perhaps the King contacted him with a more personal birthday greeting than the formal wishes on social media."

However, she added: "I still think things are too sensitive for a meaningful reconciliation with William, but the fact that he and Catherine authorised the greeting to be posted is definitely an unexpected turn of events. I don't think we should hold our breath for the step to really signal the start of a reconciliation, but it was an unexpected turn of events."

Reflecting further on the King's message to Harry, Jennie added: "It really is the duty of the parent to be the bigger person when things go wrong. But this is only a very tentative first step in what is an extremely complicated and sensitive situation.

"I still believe that the relationship between the brothers is almost irretrievable. William has so much on his plate at the moment that I don't think he has room in his heart or head to deal with all that has gone on with Harry."

"While the brothers may never be close again, or even live on the same continent, it doesn't mean that the future has to be full of bitterness and bad blood. Catherine is right. Family should always be paramount."