Relations between Prince Harry and Prince William show little sign of improving

Royal rift: Prince William and Prince Harry still frosty (Image: Getty) Relations between Prince Harry and Prince William show little sign of improving. But encouraging news this week from the family front. One well-placed royal source has revealed that Harry remains ‘best of friends’ with his cousins Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. He may have just had HRH cropped from his page on the royal family’s website thanks to an eagle-eyed Express.co.uk reporter (he’s now the plain old Duke of Sussex) But nothing, it seems, can dim the affection that prevails with Harry and the York daughters. The threesome have always had a close bond – growing up they’d be spotted clowning around in royal parks or enjoying family skiing holidays. The connection between them – especially with Eugenie – was palpable. Sure, there seemed to be a shared sense of fun. But perhaps the chemistry sprouted from the mutual experience of seeing their parents’ respective marriages fall apart – and perhaps the toe-curling (or sucking in Fergie’s case) headlines that reverberated through the aftershocks. Over the years the Princesses’ steadfast support of and loyalty to Harry – whilst remaining close to Wiliam and Kate – has been admirable. There is, of course, so much to gain from having a close relationship with a cousin. They have none of the emotional complexities that can arise between siblings. There’s no jealousy, no jostling to be heard in the domestic dynamic. Yet equally, having been born into the rarefied atmosphere of the Royal Family they can appreciate, understand and sympathise with the pressures that go cheek by jowl with the privilege. The result is a firming of family ties without any of the rivalry that comes with being siblings. There’s emotional support and a healthy sense of fun and companionship without recrimination or obligation. Little wonder that, in 2016, the Queen was said to be bereft following the death of her cousin and lifelong friend and trusted confidante Margaret Rhodes Isn’t it ironic, then, that given how much the Duke of Sussex values the support and kindness of his royal cousins, that he has made it extremely difficult for his own children, Archie and Lilibet, to reap the benefits of having such a relationship with William and Kate’s children. George, Charlotte and prize winner face-puller, five-year-old Louis, would doubtless dote on the mini-Sussexes. As the older first cousins, they might also feel a sense of protection as well as fun when spending time with Harry’s son and daughter. Yet Harry’s spectacular fall out with his brother and sister-in-law and fleeing the UK to make a home thousands of miles away, means the opportunities for the little royal cousins to become playmates are almost non-existent. The Sussexes’ sprawling estate in Montecito would be the perfect place for a holiday and for the little ones to get to know each other (the house has nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, as well as a separate guest house with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, So plenty of room for everyone to rub along nicely). But given the bleak state of Harry’s relationship with his brother, there’s more chance of William and Kate taking their kids on an all-inclusive trip to Magaluf. Of course one day the children may find their own way to each other. But until that time comes – by which time it could be too late – Harry and Meghan should do something to close the gap between the cousins. William and Kate must, in return, graciously encourage the bond too. As well as benefiting the children it will be a reminder of family ties – they are all grandchildren of the King and Princess Diana. That alone should be enough of a reminder that blood is thicker than Netflix . Who will make the first move? Given the embittered state of affairs it’s impossible to say. But every time Harry gets a warm phone call from Eugenie, or remembers that when he made his fractious solo visit for the King`s coronation that he sat in the comfort of his cousins’ company in Westminster Abbey, he should pause and reflect. The warmth may grow by the day between Harry and his cousins. But the distance grows greater and colder the longer his own children are kept away from the family they deserve to know.