Prince William’s decision not to intervene in Prince Harry’s concerns over Meghan Markle’s security reportedly became a major turning point in the brothers’ growing feud.

Royal author and Mirror royal editor Russell Myers details the dispute in his book William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, claiming that Harry wanted his family to receive greater protection after Meghan faced growing attention and abuse on social media.

According to Myers’ account, Harry became increasingly concerned about Meghan’s safety after she was targeted online. He reportedly first sought help from royal aides before turning his attention to the protection arrangements funded by the Home Office.

Harry was reportedly told that Meghan would not receive official protection until they were married. The decision left him frustrated, and he appealed to his father, then Prince Charles, while also hoping William would step in.

Why William reportedly refused to get involved

Myers claims William made it clear that he could not intervene because the decision involved the government and taxpayer-funded security. That response reportedly became a source of tension between the brothers.

The author also points to Harry’s frustration over what he viewed as different treatment compared with William’s wife, Catherine. According to Myers’ account, Catherine had received informal palace guidance while dating William and later received round-the-clock protection after their engagement.

The contrast reportedly left Harry feeling that his situation was being handled differently.

Myers claims William’s unwillingness to intervene added to the growing tension between the brothers and contributed to the long-running rift that followed.

Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020 and later moved to the United States. Their relationship with the royal family has remained strained, with security arrangements continuing to be one of the issues discussed publicly by Harry.

The claims come from Myers’ account in his book and describe his interpretation of events surrounding the brothers’ dispute. They do not establish that William’s decision alone caused the feud.