Royal fans hoping for a reconciliation between Prince Harry and Prince William may need to “give up hope”, a leading commentator has said.

Jennie Bond, a seasoned former BBC Royal reporter, suggests that the future King has distanced himself from the controversy surrounding Harry and Meghan Markle’s exit from their roles as working royals, effectively severing ties with his once-close brother.

Harry has made numerous explosive revelations in books, interviews, and TV shows since relocating to America with Meghan, causing damage to the Royal Family’s reputation.

Speaking to OK!, Royal authority Jennie said: “I think we have to give up hope that the rift between the brothers will be healed at any time in the near future, or indeed ever.

“William’s head and heart must be bursting with all that he has on his plate right now: his wife’s cancer treatment, his father’s illness, his children growing up fast, the pressure for him to take on more royal duties, the prospect of becoming King earlier than he might ever have wanted.

“Dealing with ‘the Harry problem’ is probably just one step too far for William. I believe he has moved on with his life and has, to all intents and purposes, disowned the brother to whom he was once so close.”

William’s wife Kate Middleton has bravely informed the public in late March of her ongoing battle with cancer.

In a poignant moment last week, the Prince of Wales undertook his most extensive set of engagements since the Duchess’s diagnosis was made public, carrying out two days of duties with a noticeably lighter air, suggesting optimism about Kate’s recovery, reports the Mirror.

Royal commentator Jennie noted that the 41-year-old prince seemed more relaxed, indicating that Kate is “feeling stronger every day”.

During his visit to Cornwall, William focused on tackling homelessness and toured the Nansledan development as part of his role leading the Duchy of Cornwall.

His trip also included engaging with healthcare workers on the Isles of Scilly and participating in an impromptu beach volleyball session with young lifeguards at Fistral Beach.

Jennie expressed encouragement over the fact that William felt able to spend a few nights away from Kate and their children, viewing it as a positive sign.

She commented: “I’ve no doubt that Catherine’s parents will be staying with her, but even so it must be a step in the right direction.

“Hopefully Catherine is feeling stronger every day and, with the sun now shining, she’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors which, for her, has always been restorative.”

Adding to the hopeful news, William provided a brief update on Kate’s condition, saying: “She’s doing well, thanks,” and light-heartedly added: “The children are very jealous that I am here… Maybe we might come later in the year.”

William’s visit to Cornwall coincided with Harry’s trip to the UK for the 10th anniversary service of the Invictus Games, followed by his journey to Nigeria with Meghan.

However, despite speculation, Harry did not meet with any members of the Royal Family during his UK visit, including his father, King Charles.

Although Harry and Meghan stepped back from their senior Royal roles in 2020, their visit to Nigeria was labelled a ‘mini Royal tour’ by Jennie, a term she suggests would not have “pleased” Charles or William.

Jennie commented: “The King and Prince William are firmly of the belief that you are either in or out of the working Royals.

“This seems to be a rather strange halfway house. I think both the King and the Prince, and indeed the Government, will want it to be made clear that Harry is not representing either the Royal Family or Britain on this trip.”

Express Online has contacted representatives for Harry and William.