Prince William is reportedly struggling with a sense of betrayal as his brother Prince Harry, uncle Earl Spencer and others close to Princess Diana continue to revisit her life and legacy through books and potential documentary projects.
The Prince of Wales is said to be particularly sensitive about the growing number of people discussing Diana publicly, especially as preparations begin for the 30th anniversary of her death in 2027.
Harry is reportedly exploring a documentary honouring their late mother and has been linked to efforts to contact some of Diana’s close friends and relatives for the project.
That possibility could be especially difficult for William because it would mean another major Diana-related production involving his younger brother, after years of tension between the two princes.
The latest controversy has also involved William’s maternal uncle, Earl Spencer, whose memoir Swan Song: Diana, My Sister has brought painful memories and disputed claims about Diana and the Royal Family back into the spotlight.
Royal editor Russell Myers discussed William’s reported reaction during an episode of the Mirror’s Pod Save the King YouTube show, suggesting that the future King may feel he has once again been let down by people close to him.
“He’s in this position where a lot of people are talking about Diana and earning money off her legacy, and I wonder if we have now crossed the boundaries of taste and decency,” Myers said.
The comments point to the central issue behind the “betrayal” claim: William is not simply dealing with renewed public discussion about his mother, but with people from Diana’s own family and his immediate circle becoming involved in projects that revisit her story.
Jennifer Newton added that William occupies a particularly difficult position because, unlike some of those discussing Diana publicly, he is her son and must live with the personal consequences of the continuing scrutiny.
“While there are people making money off Diana, the only person who isn’t is her other son William,” Newton said, adding that people could have sympathy for him because “Diana was his mother too.”
Myers went further when describing William’s reported emotional response, saying the Prince is “angry because he’s been let down again” but also suggesting there is “a deep sadness” behind his feelings.
The comments come as Harry’s potential documentary plans could bring even more attention to Diana ahead of the 30th anniversary, while William has reportedly rejected approaches to participate in separate television projects.
William has previously been portrayed as reluctant to take part in projects that could place him and Harry on opposing sides of their mother’s legacy. A separate Diana tribute involving both brothers has also been discussed, although no formal reunion has been announced.
The “betrayal” description therefore remains an interpretation of William’s reported feelings rather than a statement from the Prince himself. Neither Kensington Palace nor William has publicly accused Harry, Spencer or Diana’s friends of betraying him.
Nevertheless, with Harry considering a documentary and Spencer’s memoir continuing to generate controversy, William faces an increasingly difficult period in which his mother’s memory is once again at the centre of intense public attention.
