The Sussexes have kept quiet about the royal family in recent months, leading to rumours of a possible reunion. But that seems unlikely, according to one leading expert

Royal fans hoping to see a reunion between Prince William and Prince Harry shouldn’t hold their breath, an expert has suggested.

Ever since the Sussexes quit royal life, they have publicly criticised The Firm on a number of occasions, sharing private moments with Harry’s family for the world to see. Their repeated bombshells have seen them all but estranged from the royals – with Prince William said to be especially angry by his brother’s ‘betrayal’.

In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, expert Duncan Larcombe suggested that there is still a chance for the warring brothers, but that Harry will have his work cut out to get William back on side. He said: “You only have to look at Camilla, who went from being public enemy #1 to our queen.

“[A reunion] is possible, you can never say never. But as far as we know, William is still very upset by his brother’s behaviour and has broken that trust, that is so important to the royals, as they don’t lift a curtain on the institution. They don’t go and sell information and stories or cash in on stories by giving interviews.

“It’s their number #1 rule and it’s tended to operate for everyone else as a one strike and you’re out – a member of staff, an ex-bodyguard or even a friend of the family. They tend to get completely stone-walled from then on and forever.”

Despite the rift, however, Duncan suggested that William and Kate will be keeping an eye on the revelations that come out of a new German documentary – Harry – The Lost Prince – focused on Harry and Meghan’s life in Montecito post-Megxit and their attempts to stay relevant.

He said: “I think there’s a strong chance they would probably have someone watch it on their behalf, just so they can flag up anything that needs addressing. William is a bit better than Harry at ignoring what’s said about him, but he still does take interest.”

It comes after former royal BBC correspondent Jennie Bond said that William is so angered by Harry and Meghan’s behaviour that he has chosen to step away from his brother altogether. She told Times Radio: “I think as far as William is concerned, Harry really doesn’t exist.

“William has enough pressure on his heart and his head, with his wife [ Princess of Wales ] and her ongoing cancer treatment, and his father [King Charles], his job and his kids that I don’t think he’s got any room in his soul to worry about his estranged brother…I think William has disowned Harry.”

The gulf between the brothers has continued to grow in recent years with Harry’s tell-all book believed to have been the last straw for William. Alleged friends of the Prince and Princess of Wales previously told The Daily Beast : “Both sides understand each other’s position clearly now. William and Catherine felt completely betrayed by Harry’s memoir. They don’t speak to Harry and Meghan, and they are certainly not about to start when Catherine is at her most vulnerable.”

The distance between the siblings was once again highlighted this week when they issued separate messages of support and praise for the winners of the Diana Awards, set up in memory of their late mother. Notably, the princes have chosen not to come together for the charity’s 25th anniversary year.

In a letter to winners, William said: “I know my mother, in whose memory you receive the Diana Award today, would be immensely proud of you.” He wrote: “In this special 25th anniversary year for the Diana Award, it is wonderful to see young people from across the globe being recognised. At times, the world can feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place and I know many of you have had to work hard to overcome barriers to make positive change. Despite this, I am heartened to see what inspirational young people like you can achieve.”

Harry, meanwhile, described the winners as “remarkable” when he joined a recorded video call with recipients Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, and Christina Williams. He told them: “My mother’s belief in the power of young people to drive positive change continues to inspire me. No matter the challenges we face, whether it’s climate change, mental health or systemic injustices, her legacy and the efforts of young people to inspire further action in the world fill me with hope.”

Neither of the princes referred to the other brother in their messages. While William clearly has no interest in seeing his brother, Harry is said to still be keen to mend fences with his father, after failing to see him during his recent UK visit. But King Charles simply “wants peace and tranquillity in his twilight years” , according to an insider.

Sources suggest that King Charles will always hold a special place for Harry in his heart, but he’s not interested in any drama and wishes to spend his later years in peace. An insider shared with The Mirror : “Harry’s made his bed. I’m an advocate for protecting your peace, and if this young man is bringing the drama, then good on King Charles for giving him the space he needs to grow.”