Prince Harry’s long-running rift with Prince William could still be repaired, according to a close friend of the Duke of Sussex, who has offered a brief but striking update as Harry and his family return to the UK.

“There is a chance it will all heal,” the friend said, according to News 24, suggesting that the bitter dispute between the brothers may not be beyond repair.

The comments come as Harry, 41, and Meghan Markle return to Britain for an extended stay, six years after they left the UK for North America.

Their arrival on Wednesday, August 26, has once again placed the relationship between Harry and his older brother, William, 44, firmly in the spotlight.

Harry’s friend releases statement on his and William’s relationship (Image: Getty)

Harry’s UK return could create an opportunity

The Sussexes’ decision to spend an extended period in Britain is being viewed as a possible opening for the brothers to begin repairing their relationship.

Harry and William have reportedly been estranged for years, with their disagreements becoming increasingly public.

A source previously told People that King Charles would want to see his two sons together again over time.

The source described Harry’s return to England with his family as “the best opportunity we have seen in recent years”, while acknowledging that a reconciliation would not be easy.

“It is going to be challenging for William. It will be very hard for him and Catherine,” the insider said.

The prospect of a reunion remains uncertain, particularly given the brothers’ strained relationship and William’s apparent reluctance to meet Harry during previous visits.

William has kept his distance

All eyes are focusing on a reunion between the pair (Image: Getty

William’s position towards his younger brother was highlighted during the Sussexes’ visit to the UK in July, when the Prince of Wales did not reunite with Harry or meet his niece and nephew.

The brothers’ relationship has deteriorated dramatically over recent years, with Harry speaking publicly about tensions within the Royal Family through interviews, documentaries and his Netflix projects.

His memoir, Spare, also contained highly personal accounts of his relationship with William, including details of a physical confrontation between the brothers.

Harry also wrote about Catherine, Princess of Wales, claiming she made Meghan cry during a disagreement.

Those revelations deepened an already difficult family dispute and made any path towards reconciliation considerably more complicated.

Expert says there is still hope

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams believes there remains a possibility that the family conflict could eventually be resolved, although he warned that King Charles and William need to take a coordinated approach.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Fitzwilliams argued that the King and the future King should have an “aligned” strategy for dealing with Harry, both privately and publicly.

“It is essential for the future of the monarchy that the King and Prince William agree on a joint approach,” Fitzwilliams said.

He added that the situation could be damaging for the monarchy and confusing for the public if the two senior royals do not speak with one voice on substantive issues.

“There is a lot to play for,” Fitzwilliams said, expressing hope that one of the world’s most public family disputes could eventually be “gradually resolved.”

Could Charles bring his sons together?

King Charles is also understood to want his sons to rebuild their relationship.

According to the source cited by People, the King “will want to see his sons together over time.”

It is believed that Charles has urged Harry and William not to allow their ongoing dispute to overshadow his remaining years.

Whether Harry’s latest return to Britain can create a genuine opening between the brothers remains to be seen.

For now, there is no confirmation that Harry and William have agreed to meet. But the eight-word message from Harry’s friend — “There is a chance it will all heal” — has offered a rare note of optimism surrounding a royal feud that has remained unresolved for years.