Harry v Wills | Option Five | 3

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If you're struggling, there are organisations which can help. We've put links in the episode description. Right, before we start, I've just got to record an advert for that interview episode, if that's okay. Oh, I d I didn't get the email for that. Don't worry about it. It'll all become clear.

In this touching and emotional interview, I will reveal all about the bullying I've faced at the hands of Alice Levine. Sorry. Is this for like the little joke we do at the beginning or how she undermined me and leaked personal stories about me to the press.

What personal stories? To protect the security of my family, I've been forced to take two weeks' leave. Matt, you're going on holiday. I'll also reveal the shocking truth about the time she smashed me over the head with a dog ball. Don't want to sound like a narcissist, but actually sounds like a great listen.

16th of February 2021, Montecito, California. Harry leans against a weathered pillar, towering eucalyptus trees swaying gently behind him. He cranes his neck past the rolling cameras to get a clear view of Meghan as she sits in a cushioned cream chair, hand resting on her rounded. The sad irony of the last four years is that I advocated for so long for women to use their voices. And then I was silent. Harry moves his gaze to the opposite chair, where Oprah Winfrey leans forward.

Were you silent or silenced? Harry's heart thuds as he waits for Meg to answer. The ladder. He feels a swell of pride that Meg, radiant at seven months pregnant, is still smiling despite all they've endured. The Samtec steps forward with Harry's mic back, and he realizes. Millions of people will watch this. Tens of millions. He feels a rush of nerves at what will happen when his family see this interview. Harry's stomach drops.

As the B flashes on the caller ID. Granny's private secretary, Sir Edward Young. The B-E-E, that's the nickname. Yes, there's the B, the Wasp and the Fly. And in his book he explains why he's nicknamed them these things. I guess they do buzz around and sort of scare people off. Yeah, two of them pollinate and the other one spreads diseases. And lands on poop. Sir. His voice is tinged with contempt. For a moment Harry fears he's got wind of his opera.

But then the Duke of Edinburgh has been admitted to hospital. Grandpa, is it Harry tightens his grip on the phone. Infection. Your grandmother thought you should be told. Thank you. I uh The line goes dead. Harry's mind races. Grandpa is 99. He glances at the technician. Sorry, I I just need a moment. He starts to tremble, doubt overwhelming him. This interview is the last thing Granny needs right now. And Willie. He will be... I just didn't want to be alive anymore.

I went to the institution and said I needed to get help, and I was told that I couldn't. Oprah shifts forward in her seat. It sounds like you were suicidal. Yes. Her voice is steady, her eyes determined. If Grandpa taught Harry anything, it was about duty to those you love. Meg is stepping up. Harry must be brave too. Settling down next to his wife, he focuses on Oprah's Voice as she turns to him. Why did your father stop taking your calls? He pushes thoughts of grandpa aside.

Because I took matters into my own hands. something for my own mental health, for my wife's. Because I could see where this was headed. And now he started. He doesn't want to stop. It particularly hurts because I think my mother would be very angry about how all this has panned out. Harry feels his back straightened. For so long he's wanted to be heard. And by doing this, his father, his brother, the whole family will be forced to listen. Maybe even cheaper.

It's time to- Truth about the British monarchy's authoritarianism, its cruelty, its racism, and he's going to be the one to. IKEA presenterar Ljud av förändring. Kassas till en 4B.

Matt Ford. And I'm Alice Levine. So Alice, in the last episode, a heck of a lot happened and a key character was introduced. What do you make of Meghan Markle? Mm-hmm. That is not a completely straightforward question because of her treatment in the press and by the public to a certain extent. The press particularly can be misogynistic, racist, classist, and she was a real victim of that at various points in their tenure.

But she's also a particular flavour. And she's not like Kate who's the partner that came before. She committed the cardinal sin which was to be outspoken. She wasn't a silent follower of protocols. And so that was incredibly disruptive within this family from the get go. And of course There's the thing that I just personally can't get over and I know a lot of people listening will have found really difficult. She doesn't like hobnobs and for me

That's unforgivable. That is a red line. And obviously it's not easy for anyone to be a royal plus one because the scrutiny on all of your behaviour in your private life is unlike anything else, even in the celebrity world. The royal family itself as an institution is deeply dysfunctional, and the individuals, some of them are absolutely crazy. Your life is no longer your own, but

You also do get everything you could ever want. Which is why I think this story divides people. Because people think of the privilege, but then on the other hand, it's so suffocating, you're so trapped, it's so claustrophobic. And it's also the princess prince fairy tale. that lots of people have been brought up on. So it's a whole mix of mess. Then you've got these brothers who are beloved and it's kind of the the Yoko Ono narrative that she's come between these two men.

And a story that I think lots of people felt emotional about, which is the dilemma, who do you pick? The love of your life? or the brother who's been your support for all of your child and adulthood. So it's something that really strikes a chord with people. And at the end of the last episode, tensions reached boiling point when Harry was faced with the decision Pick his family or pick the future of the British monarchy. This is episode three, option five. One year early.

4th of January 2020, Vancouver Island. Harry's fingers hover over the laptop, the cursor blinking. He looks over his shoulder, where Meghan cradles their eight-month-old son, Archie. The firm will hate it, especially William. He turns back and reads aloud the last section of the email. I'm sure. This situation cannot continue. Therefore, we would like to propose that we remain in Canada and reduce our duties as working royals. His hand trembles. Screw'em. He hits the send button.

He's distracted by the sound of Archie's soft girl. He takes him out onto the expansive lawn that rolls down to the water's edge. The baby squeals with delight as Harry lifts him into the air. Four hours pass. Five. Then a familiar name flashes up on Harry's mobile. Granny. His heart hammers against his He didn't expect to hear from her directly. Does she have a mobile phone? New phone who dis Granny, hi. Harriet.

I received your communication. He starts to mutter a reply, but his gran cuts in. I'm very troubled to hear how unhappy you've been. We should all discuss it. But not on the fish. It must be face to face, as soon as possible. Harry smiles, gives a thumbs up to Meg, who is hovering near. Of course, we'll be on the first flight.

The following morning, Harry strides across Heathrow's concourse. He takes out his phone, almost jumping when the signal comes to life and Granny's name flashes up. Granny, we just landed. I'm in short stay, be quick'cause they'll charge me a fiver if I'm any longer. This time he's greeted by the terse voice of the bee. Her Majesty regrets her diary is more full than she realized, so she's asked me to reschedule your meeting. Harry's stomach flipped.

Okay, well we're here for six days, so maybe Her diary is completely full until the twenty ninth. Harry's stunned. That's three weeks away. It's too long. Archie's back in Canada. Her Majesty won't be bullied into making decisions by family or the press. Please consult your diary and get back to us promptly. The phone clicks off. Harry hears Meg's phone ping behind him. The PR company wants to know if we've seen today's son.

Harry pulls the paper's front page up on his phone and feels the blood drain from his face as he reads the headline. Off again. The story claims he and Meghan are about to ambush the Queen with unfair demand. His head spins. How do they know they're even coming? He only sent that email to Granny, Pa. And Willie. Harry feels a sickening chill. He stares at Meg in disbelief. He wouldn't. Would he? But Harry already suspects Willie could.

He darkens. He's tried to approach this reasonably, but all Willie's interested in is taking control of the narrative. So if he won't play nice, Harry won't either. He is going to fight fine.

The following day, 1A Kensington Palace. William slams the desk as he reads a post from at Sussex Royal on his Instagram feed. After many months of reflection, we intend to step back as senior members of the royal family and work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support the Queen. There is a bit of a word salad. We're gonna work to become financially independent, continue to fully support the Queen. I don't really know what that means.

We aspire to become financially independent. We believe in the concept of financial independence. But we we can't do it right now. We we really do need that state cash. So just bear with us. Our private millions simply aren't enough. So when we're ready, we'll let you know. But please don't check in about it. We'll let you know. He didn't think it was possible to be angrier at Harold. This is a family matter, a private matter.

Not dirty laundry to be aired in public before they've even discussed it. Kate enters the study, pulling on her mittens. I'm taking the kids to play peustics, if you fancy. He sees her pause as she takes in his expression. You need to see this. William watches her face darken as she reads. We look forward to sharing the full details of this new chapter in due course, including our plans to collaborate with Her Majesty the Queen.

William almost spits. You don't collaborate with a monarch, you do what they decree. It's the lead story on every news outlet. William checks Twitter, where the post is already trending. Good on ya, M H. The revolution starts at the end. The great escape is on. Let's bust this outdated institution. William slams his phone on the desk, only for it to buzz. Pa flashing on the screen. He answers, expecting his father to be seething as well.

But to his horror. I spoken to Harry, and we've agreed the sooner we sort this whole blasted business out, the better. William freezes. He can't believe Pa is even negotiating with Harold. He suggested we meet at Frogmore Cottage tomorrow before Megan has to fly back for Archie. William feels his fists clenched.

He wants us to bow to their demands. He waits for Kate to grimace at the idea. Instead, she sighs deeply. Perhaps an olive branch. I mean anything to stop this. William crosses to the large window. He takes in his children skipping across the lawn, just as he and Harry did with Mummy. For a brief moment he softened.

But suddenly the sound of messages coming through on his phone yanks him back to the crisis at hand. William? You're right, Pa. We should all talk. But not at Frogmore. Gran is still at Sandringham. Let's do it there. Tomorrow. William hesitates. There are engagements I simply can't move. He turns away. Harry will have to wait until next week. William knows his father will object.

But he won't talk to Harry with Meghan in the room. Because he's sure that once Harold's alone with Pa, Granny, and him, he can really And stop him destroying everything.

One week later, 7am, Sandringham Estate. Queen Elizabeth steps carefully along the frost-covered path to the ornamental lake. Four corgies trot ahead of her, their breath forming small clouds. I often wonder with the corgies, do they know that they're posh dogs? Yeah, do you think that they go round for dog dates and they're like, you live here? Well, this is your actual home. This is the whole garden. Where's your ornamental lake?

A little way behind, a footman follows with a discreet pooper scooper. Elizabeth turns at the sound of approaching footsteps. She takes in Charles walking towards her, his face drawn with anxiety. Ready for the Sandringham summit? Elizabeth winces for what the press has dubbed today's meeting. She stares up at an ancient oak, its bare branches etched against the pale Norfolk sky.

Tell me, how reasonable do you think Harry will be? I know he feels he hasn't been heard. Elizabeth nods. The temptation is to side with William. But she knows that Charles wants to be a just that. Back at the house, she's barely removed her coat when her private secretary approaches, Ashen-faced. Mum, there's been a development. He hands her a tablet showing the front page of the Sunday Times. Her jaw sets as she reads the headline William Bullying claims Rock Palace.

Uh it quotes a source close to She sees him avert his eyes as he continues. The Sussexes. Saying there's been a pattern of aggressive behaviour, that this meeting is a disciplinary hearing. Elizabeth's lips tighten as she snatches the article. Thank you, Edward. I'd like some time alone. Of course, Mum. Elizabeth enters her study and walks over to the desk.

She eyes the printout of today's agenda. Five different options they've drawn up for Harry going forward, five ways this could work, all to be discussed calmly and diplomatically. But with this latest move, it's clear Harry isn't interested in diplomacy. She hardens as she takes in the guilt frame picture of her beloved father on the wall. And she thinks of all he endured in the wake of Edward and Wallace, how the monarchy barely survived. She picks up the phone and calls her private secretary.

I've made a decision. I need you to draft something. Elizabeth hesitates. With what she's about to do, she'll be favouring one grandchild over. But she can't let Harry and his American wife bring a thousand-year dynasty to its knees. She's already weathered one constitutional crisis over Diana. She can't guarantee the crown would survive another. Better to break a few hearts than the Two hours later, the long library, sandring a mistake.

Harry twists his wedding ring anxiously as he stands outside the imposing oak door. Without Meghan by his side, he feels like he's walking into battle with no armor. But he reminds There's no room for compromise. All he wants is for them to be able to live abroad. They would still represent the royal family, they would just be able to make their own money, have some freedom from the incessant pressure of the tabloid press.

A half in, half out deal, where he would remain a public face of the royal family But he also wants to be able to do things that other royals can't do. He wants to be able to live abroad and he also wants to be able to make his own money. He's saying he would end reliance on public funds. So stopped taking effectively a royal wage. But we also know that he wanted his security to be paid for by the royals, i.e., therefore, paid for by the state.

And there's another layer to this, isn't there, about the transparency of royal money. Because one thing is the income that they get from the state, and another thing is their inverted commas. private wealth. All of their wealth is derived from the property empire that they enjoy as a result of being the monarchy. So it's really hard to decouple what is private and what is public. So at this point Harry's getting an allowance, if you like, from Prince Charles's

private money. Yes. A certain number of them are what's called working royals. So they perform duties on behalf of the state and they are remunerated for that. So are there estimates for what then Prince Charles, now King Charles is worth outside of the budget provided by the state to keep the royal family going. Come to a Guardian investigation in twenty twenty three, they estimated King Charles' fortune was around two billion pounds. Two billion pounds. And that includes cars, rare stamps?

Property, investments, horses, jewellery, art, and the hereditary estate. So if Harry's getting a substantial allowance from that, you imagine he could exist on that without a royal salary. Yes. It seems that way.

Harry takes a deep breath and pushes the door open. To his relief, he's met by a smiling pa who pulls him into a warm embrace. Darling boy. He looks up as Granny answered. With the bee. She gives Harry a small nod, before walking to the end of the line. And then turns to see William enter. His face thunderous. Harry's stomach drops as his brother sits without making eye contact, then pointedly places a copy of the Sunday Times on the table. Harry sighs.

I had nothing to do with that. But before he can get into it, the bee clears his throat. Let's get down to business, shall we? Harry has barely sat before he's handed a formal agenda, listing five options. Uh what's this? His eyes skim each bullet, from option one, where he and Meg remain full time royals, to option five, which the bee spells out with a brutal lack of sentimentality.

Complete withdrawal from royal duties, and no financial or security support from the Crown. You would give up your honorary military titles. You would repay the two point four million pounds of public funds used to refurbish Frogmore House. While you would retain your HRH styles, you would not be permitted to use them. Then what's the point? Am I allowed to tell people that I've got them? Can I whisper it at night as I fall asleep?

His head spins. He never even contemplated something so dramatic. He tries to regain his composure. If you'll just give me a moment. He desperately scans the document again, his eyes settling on option three, the closest to the future he'd intended to argue for. In option three, he and Meg would still represent the Queen and retain their security detail while supporting themselves financially. So the third option makes most sense. We remain working royals, but still live abroad.

That's not what's laid out in the proposal. We fail to see how you could carry out your royal duties living overseas. Harry eyes Granny, who looks frustratingly impassive. Well, it would need some working out, of course. Harry flinches as Willie thumps the table. Half in, half out is. you work for the moniker. Harry feels his face flush. Why? Because you say so. Harry turns back to Granny, determined. We don't want to turn our backs on the crown. On you. For the first time.

Harry notes a flicker of discomfort in her eyes. Harry, this is very difficult. Before Harry can formulate a response, the Bee hands round another document headed for Immediate Release. As he begins to read, his blood runs cold. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer be working members of the royal family. They will not receive public funds for royal duties and will no longer use their HRH titles. Okay, so to be clear, they are now essentially

Citizens, they can call themselves the Duke and the Duchess, they can't use the HRH, and that's the last relic of their involvement with the royal family. It's over. They're as common as muck. Wow. But with millions of pounds. Harry looks from the bee to granny, then Pa, confused. This is option five. We would lose everything. We would lose our security detail. What about our children? Harry stares around me.

He is met only with the tops of their heads, as his brother, his father and his granny focus only on the backs of their hands. He looks back at the press release. Terrible truth sinking in. You've already decided. He slowly moves his gaze to Willie. Harry can't work out whether it's through shock or something. His voice breaks as he speaks again. What was today even for? A show trial? Pressing you've tried. He suddenly feels like he did.

Gasping for air, his mind racing. The next thing he knows, he's running down the corridor. Harold, wait, please, Willie. En trisk på steget vad gulligt. 2 på 30, kanske inte var så gulligt. En miljon. Bin godis på det. Snart är matten att vi ska dela på vinden. Ja, hej hej. Två på miljonen. Kan jag inte skapa klart senare istället. Du driver. Fyll påsken med känslor. Ett spel från svenska spel för dig över 18 år.

I'm Indra Vama, and in the latest season of The Spy Who, we open the file on Larry Chin, the spy who outplays the spirit. For decades in the inside US intelligence. Richard Nixon plan to reopen relations with China. Incomplace directly. But the CIA has a weapon. Chinese mole ready to defect. How long until Chin's gig is up? Follow the Spy Who now wherever you listen to podcasts. One minute later, Sandringham Estate.

William races into the grounds after Harry. Harold waits. He swallows as Harry turns to face him, his cheeks ruddy and tears settled. For a moment. All William sees is that same lost twelve-year-old at Mummy's funeral. I swear I didn't know. He grabs his brother by the shoulders, tries to make him meet his gaze. What they've done, it isn't right. Harry pulls Frey and carries on running. William gives chase, panting as he tries to keep up. He's relieved when Harry finally stops for breath.

Talk to me. Get off me. But William grabs him again, stays on him. I want to understand. He sees Harry collapse on a bench, head in hand. I'm scared all the time, for Archie, for Meg. Even before the wedding, the police talked about how we were the prize target for extremists. We get death threats almost daily. William feels a stab of guilt, as he imagines Kate and his kids receiving death threats. I can't protect them if we stay. I don't want to see any of you hurt. You do know that.

I'm not saying it's you personally, but there are people who work for you, who work for Pa, that are feeding the press. William takes a few steps forward as he tries to gather his thoughts. He finds himself face to face with the 17th-century bronze statue of a Chinese Buddha at the end of the garden. He feels his breathing calm as he remembers how much their mother loved this spot.

He turns to find Harry staring at it beside him. You could be right about the leaks. He wants to help his brother, but he knows how Granny operates. That press release wouldn't have been drafted without her approval. He has to get Harold to accept option one, to return to full royal duties. We haven't even seen two and four. Maybe there's a wild card in there. If we want a lifestyle show, what is the option? Granny, there's this thing called Netflix.

It's great. If we want to advertise little bags of pretzels, I'm not entirely clear which is the most compatible option. William grabs Harry by the shoulders. Remember what we used to say us against the fucking world. It could be like that again. He sees a flicker of a smile. He seizes on it. No more palace walls or separate agendas. William Eibald's hand. Willing Harry to grasp. The last thing he did.

A moment later, Sandringham estate. Harry looks at Willie, at his outstretched hand. The words that have once been their battle cry, their bond, echoing in his head. Oz against the fucking world. He moves his eyes across the vast lawn to the woods where they built dens, the lake where they skipped stones with mummy. Every corner of this place is He sees the hope in Willie's eyes. Then the slightest smile. Its rope swing swaying in the cold breeze.

Harry locks eyes with him for a moment, struck by the remote. But then Wills takes off, and Harry instinctively runs after him, lungs burning in his desperation to be He feels a rush of joy as he grabs the largest rope in victory, pushing himself off from the ground and swinging past William who flames. You can tell I won't walk about Harry laughs as he watches him. Jumps from the rope and presses play. Watches Archie giggle. Mac dips his feet.

His chest tightens. He stares back at the cold Jacobean facade of Sandringham House, with all its formalities, structures, and constraints. How can he force that on his family again? He looks back at William, who's brushing dirt from his cheeks. I can't wait. Come on, Harold. We've barely I can't come back, Willie. Pat's trailing us everywhere we go, not knowing who we can trust. I have nightmares about losing Meg the way we lost her. He watches Willie standing.

For what seems like a lifetime. I don't want Archie to have the same childhood we did. When he turns to face him, Harry notes Willie's eyes are glistening. Okay. All of Harry's tension leaves as Willie puts an arm around his shoulder. I'll make sure you get a better deal. We'll keep talking. Tears prick Harry's eyes as he stands, ready to make a Future with Willie's full support.

One year later, Montecito, California. Megan walks through the perfectly manicured garden, the sun warming her rounded belly. She stops at the marble patio table on the veranda, places a small jug of vinaigrette dressing beside the cob salad her guests are spooning onto their plates. Try this! I've been tweaking the recipe for weeks. Tyler Perry drizzles someone to his plate and dips a forkful of avocado into it.

Damn that's good. Oprah Winfrey does the same, then dabs her mouth with a linen napkin. It's divine honey. You should bottle it. It's olive oil, lemon juice maybe, some vinegar, and potentially some mustard, salt and pepper. Unless you're not getting it. This is made with love by Megan. Apologies. Megan Beams. She and Harry have been in Monte Cito for six months. And having recently signed a multimillion dollar deal to produce a range of shows for Netflix,

She's hopeful of reinventing herself. As a vinaigrette mogul. Then maybe she can put the Duchess Difficult label that still dominates all her press, to bed for good. That's great. I'm playing around with concepts for a lifestyle show. Home cooking, wellness, sustainable living. The world needs to see the real you. Meghan watches Oprah set down her fork, her expression serious. Speaking of which, if you ever decided you wanted to share your story of what really happened.

That's something the whole world would be interested in. Megan's eyes briefly fall on the window of the pool house, where Harry is currently in a therapy session. The truth is, he's finding it hard to adjust to life here. Much as she'd love to set the record straight, she must prioritize what's best for him. Haz is still trying to work things out with his family and somehow I I don't think they'd be impressed. Oprah holds her hands up. Well, the offer's always there. Your truth, your way.

Meghan's relieved when Tyler moves the subject on to his new movie. But Oprah's words still hang in the air an hour later when Harry walks into the kitchen, his session over. How was Dr. Chian? Ya, good. Harry smiles bravely, but she knows how taxing therapy can be. And she notes his darkening expression as he switches on his phone. What's wrong? The palace is pushing back the final announcement about our status again. Her heart breaks as he looks up at her, clearly devastated.

The Queen is still deciding whether they can officially use HR Right. If Harry can keep his medals, how they can earn their own money. And the lack of facts has left a vacuum. one the firm seems in no rush to fill. Meghan slumps onto the sofa. Have you heard from William? He keeps saying he's working on it, but I don't know. She sighs. Her gut tells her William is purposefully dragging his heels, working against rather than for.

And the man who gave up everything for her deserves better than to be strung along like that. She thinks again about that offer from Oprah. Has What if we stopped waiting? Megan takes both his hands in hers. She knows what she's about to propose won't be. But the more she thinks about it, the more she's certain this could be exactly what they need. A way to stick two fingers up at the institution that's caused them so much pain, and truly free themselves at last.

One month later, Apartment 1A, Kensington Palace. William sits rigid beside Kate on the sofa, TV remote clasped in his hands. On the screen, Meghan leans in towards Oprah, her voice light but firm. Around this time we have concerns and conversations about how dark Archie's skin might be when he's born. William feels his stomach lurch as Oprah's jaw literally drops. What?

So hang on. What were the concerns? That if he were too brown it would be a problem? A chill runs down William's spine. Jesus fucking Christ. Who had these conversations? I'm never gonna share that. It would be very damaging to them. William glances at Kate, who looks stunned, then back at the screen, as Meghan spills more revelations. The palace ignoring her pleas for help when she felt suicidal. Yet another rehashing of that infernal bridesmaid's dress argument. This is all bullshit.

What I will say though is it's not also mad to assume that bad behaviour that goes on is somehow in this sort of lead case that is the royal family and it won't seep out. These are just human beings at the end of the day. And if people are bullied or treated badly All you have is a kind of gentleman's agreement that you'll keep that in the family. They're all using these tactics where they use the press to get the public onside. So yes, this is huge. This is kind of box office.

But members of the royal family and their teams have been using British media In that process. for years and years. You might just say that Harry and Meghan are being the most savvy about it. Yeah, it's that illusion of honour, isn't it? Their view is, look, when we leak stuff to the tabloids, we don't actually do the interviews ourselves. Like, get wise. Exactly.

Come on, guys, there's a code of conduct. When his brother comes into shots and sits down next to Megan, William's struck by how unchanged he is. Same beard, same relaxed manner. But the moment he starts speaking, he's like a different person, parroting all of Megan's nonsense. My father literally cut me off financially. William grits his teeth. What about your brother? William's heart thud.

as he waits for Harry to answer. I love William to bits. We've been through hell together, but we're on different paths. The relationship is space at the moment. Space. The word feels like a knife to the heart. After everything they've shared, after all he's tried to do, that's all their relationship boils down to. Fucking space.

I don't even understand what that means. Outer space? We're giving each other space. What it does sound like is a kind of therapized, maybe new age Californian expression. I just want to sit with that. Because my relationship is space and that's my truth right now. William holds the remote at the TV. It hits Harry's face then clatters to the floor. Kate flinches. Wills, please. I spent months working on power and granny. And this is how we repeat.

Stabbing me in the back. Kate gets up, walks to the TV and says I'm going to put dinner on for George and Charlotte. William ignores her, stays rooted to the sofa, staring intently at the black screen.

The next morning, William is exhausted. He hasn't slept, and now he's on the way to a fucking school in Stratford to cut some stupid ribbon. Stepping out of his car, he readies himself for the inevitable questions from the press pack. William? How'd you feel about the Sussex's claims? Is the royal family racist? Good no. Sort of. Depends. Bad ish. Thank you. William feels his heart race.

He knows the Queen has already put out a statement saying the royal family are concerned about Meghan's allegations. But in that moment, the question is so appalling, so unfair. First time, you can't simply handle this. Since childhood. He'll be damned if he won't have his. We are very much A racist fan. Explodes with more questions. William, William, have you spoken to your brother since the interview went out? Not yet, but I will. But as he says the words, Will knows he won't come.

And humiliated him and his family. That boy. One month later, the Quadrangle, Windsor Castle. Harry stands at the iron gates of the courtyard, taking in the somber faces of mourners arriving for grandpa's funeral. Seeing Willie walk in with Kate, he takes a deep breath and makes his way over. Willie, I uh They haven't spoken since the Oprah interview went out. But he hoped today would be the start of them putting past grievances aside. He rests a hand on Willie's arm. How are you?

He feels an icy jolt as his brother turns to face him, his eyes full of contempt. Before Harry can gather himself, Willie looks over his shoulder. Grandpa's here. Harry turns to see eight pallbearers in military dress lift a coffin from the back of a dark green Land Rover. Watching Willie head over, Harry follows. But as he goes to stand next to him for the procession, their cousin Peter gently pulls him aside. Will's requested I walk between you.

It's so petty. Also at a funeral. I mean, just in terms of the optics, would it be better for William to be seen next to Harry and to be appear to be rising above it? You would think. Harry feels like he's been punched in the gut. He looks back at Willie, whose gaze is fixed straight ahead. All Harry can do is start walking. And as he does, He thinks about Mummy. How at her funeral he had Willie to walk beside him. How they were united in grief. How she would hate this.

No matter what it takes, no matter how much Willie despises him right now, he must make peace. That's actually really heartbreaking. Your big moments of grief are so public. Like it's bad enough mourning the loss of a close family member without having to do it on camera. And the other madness is lots of these instances of family discord have happened in the past. They've happened before. So you would think coming into the modern world

That this family would actually have made changes or would have learnt things so that these weren't such painful experiences. But actually they feel so frozen in time, don't they? Two hours later, Harry is anxiously pacing through the ew trees and modest headstones of the nearby royal burial ground. He looks over, sees the gravestones of his ancestors, he checks his watch. Willie is twenty minutes late. Harry's overwhelmed with relief when he finally sees his brother's outline through the trees.

As they begin walking in silence, the familiarity feels like a warm blanket. But when Willie speaks, Harry's heart sinks at his emotionless, business-like tone. Well, what did you want to say? Harry hesitated to beat, unsure where to begin. I suppose I just wanted to clear the air. Explain how I feel. Harry sees Willie sneer. You already did, to millions of people.

Harry stops walking, takes a breath. You left me with no choice. Meg and I have if things were so bad, you could have come to me, but you didn't. Now Harry feels his own anger reignite. I did at Sandringham. You were supposed to fight for me, but You never lifted a finger. That's not true. These things take time. You had a yeah, and then we were stripped of everything. Harry sees Willie's cheeks flush crimson. That was granny. Take it out with granny.

Harry kicks the dirt beneath him, clenches his fists in frustration. It's not just the agreement that's caused so much pain, and Willie knows it. What about the press? William looks confused. Harry stays on him. You could have spoken up about the vile stuff they've said about Meg. We don't engage. We never fucking engage. Harry laughs bitterly. He heard Willie's comments after the Oprah interview.

He's just as capable of breaking royal protocol as Harry is. You just didn't want to. Do you know what this has been doing to Meg? Why does it always have to be about her? Harry blinks at him, shocked. He just can't see it. That Meg is part of him now, a non-negotiable. He stays on Willie, but as he does, he sees his brother's eyes harden, his posture stiffen. It's as if any common ground that remained, any of their old us against the fucking world camaraderie, is now gone.

And Harry realizes. He doesn't feel angry at Willie anymore. He feels sad for him. He's a prisoner and he can't even see it. But to Harry, it's never been clearer. He's free. I should go. Yes. You should. Harry watches Willie walk back to the castle, through the burial ground with all its royal ghosts, towards his predetermined life of service and sacrifice. Sighs and turns in the opposite direction, to the car that will carry him back to the airport. He'll take his chances.

Because the alternative

Death in September 2022, William and Harry were briefly seen together in public at Windsor alongside Kate and Meghan. The last time the four were seen together. Since then, relations have deteriorated. Harry remains embroiled in a long running dispute of the UK security. Towards the end of 2025, he held a private meeting with King Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment, but relations are still understood to be fragile. At the time of recording, Harry and William are widely reported.

remain estranged. From Audible Originals and Sam. This is the third episode announcement. A quick note about our dialogue. In most cases we can't know exactly what was said. William Harry and the And the palace paper. You can watch Megan V. The meeting that changed the monarchy on Channel 5, or you can watch Harry's. Interview with Oprah Winfrey on ITVX. And if you'd like to get in touch with us, you can email us at British Scandal. British Scandal is hosted by Me And me, Alice Levine.

Additional writing. A story. Sound design by Richard. Executive producer. Ja med, en trist på skäget, vad gulligt. 230 kanske inte var så gulligt. Snart ser väl Martin att vi ska dela på visen också. Ja, hej! Fyll påsken med känslor. Ett spel från svenska spel för dig över 18 år.