Prince Harry's ex-royal aide's unexpected verdict on whether bitter William rift can be healed

Prince Harry's ex-royal aide's unexpected verdict on whether bitter William rift can be healed A former royal aide who worked for both Prince William and Prince Harry, becoming close to both of them, has been asked if he could ever see a reconciliation between the warring brothers A former royal aide who worked for both Prince William and Prince Harry and grew close to both has given his verdict on whether the warring brothers can heal their bitter rift. Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton served as the two princes' principal private secretary from 2005 and 2013, after previously being an equerry for the late Queen and Queen Mother. His role for the brothers, when they were both in their early 20s, saw him form a bond with both of them as the former SAS man helped guide them through their military careers. William named him as one of Prince George ’s six godparents and had been involved in Sentebale, the charity co-founded in honour of his late mother, Princess Diana. Since Mr Lowther-Pinkerton worked for the princes, the pair have fallen out in a bitter family feud - and with it claimed they have not talked since their late grandmother the Queen, died almost four years ago. In an interview with The Times, the former aide, who has now written a novel, was asked his view on whether the pair could ever bury the hatchet. And tellingly, he said: “Do you know what? I think I’d better steer clear of that Harry issue.” He added: “What I would say is that I was and am very fond of him. He has huge redeeming features and I’m a perennial optimist.” Meanwhile, he also revealed the differences he saw between the pair, describing William as the ‘Lion King’ and likening Harry to a ‘mischievous cub’. He added: “I loved them both.” The ex-aide’s comments come as it has been claimed that Harry and wife Meghan are likely to meet King Charles, with whom the Duke of Sussex also has a rocky relationship, when they return to the UK next month. Sources suggest the Sussexes have been offered to stay at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to align with their schedule during the week of their visit. They are yet to accept the invitation. Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, last saw their grandfather Charles in person at the time of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Lilibet was just one at the time so will surely have no recollection of such a meeting. Meghan has not set foot in the UK, apart from the odd Heathrow Terminal transfer, since the late Queen’s funeral. It is not known whether Harry and Meghan, or Harry alone, plans to attempt to see the Prince and Princess of Wales. Sources have described their relationship as “rock bottom” in recent times. One palace insider said: “The Prince and Princess of Wales remain deeply hurt by Harry and Meghan’s comments since leaving their royal duties that they were abandoned and mistreated when part of the royal family.” Harry and Meghan accused the royal family of racism during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in April 2021. Harry also used his explosive memoir Spare to criticise members of his family, including calling the King and "old man", labelling his stepmother Queen Camilla a "wicked stepmother" and accusing his brother William of assaulting him. Sources close to William have vehemently denied that a violent altercation ever took place. Meghan, 44, will join Harry on stage at the Invictus event in Birmingham on July 10, it is understood. Harry is also understood to have planned several other engagements with charities in the UK during the week.