The sweet sign the Queen loves Prince Harry and Prince William equally despite ‘royal rift'

Queen Elizabeth II attends the wedding of Prince Harry to Ms Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor
(Image credit: Photo by Pool/Max Mumby/Getty Images)

The Queen has had to contend with rumours of tension between Prince Harry and Prince William in recent months, but her latest royal engagement showcased how much she loves both her grandsons.

The Queen has faced a very challenging time in recent months, as she continues to mourn her husband of 73-years, Prince Philip. It was at Prince Philip’s funeral that his grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry were reunited in person for the first time in over a year. Speculation about tension between the brothers had arisen following Harry and Meghan Markle’s bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview.

This saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex speak about life in The Firm. Here,  Harry expressed his opinion that his brother and father are “trapped” in the institution - a remark some have claimed William “rejects”.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry tour a tunnel made during WWI during the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 2017

The Queen later shared a measured statement in response to the Sussexes' interview. In it, Her Majesty declared that Harry, Meghan and Archie remained “much loved family members”.

Whilst Harry and William reportedly “broke the ice” at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral ahead of the unveiling of Princess Diana’s memorial statue next month.

However, rumours about a "rift" between Harry and his royal relatives, including William, has continued to circulate. Now the Queen’s latest royal engagement could be seen to include a sweet sign that she loves both her grandsons equally. 

Queen Elizabeth II greets Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the first in-person weekly audience with the Prime Minister since the start of the coronavirus pandemic at Buckingham Palace on June 23, 2021

Earlier this week, the Queen held her first in-person weekly audience with Prime Minister Boris Johnson since March 2020. And pictures from the day show several wonderful family photos on display in this magnificent room at Buckingham Palace.

William and Kate Middleton’s official engagement picture can be seen in a dark wooden frame, but they’re not alone! Sitting on another table close by under a bouquet of flowers, eagle-eyed fans might have noticed an equally a stunning picture of Harry and Meghan embracing. 

The two couples have been snapped in very similar poses and the decision to display photos of both grandsons and their spouses in pride of place could be seen as a wonderful indication of the Queen’s great love for William and Harry.

Queen Elizabeth II speaks with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex as they leave after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor to Thomas Kingston at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 18, 2019 in Windsor

The monarch’s meeting with Boris Johnson comes just weeks after Harry and Meghan welcomed their first daughter, Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana.

Her first name honours the monarch's childhood nickname and is a wonderful sentimental gift to her great-grandmother. 

It’s not yet known when the Queen will meet baby Lilibet, though she's likely very touched by Harry and Meghan's name choice. 

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.