Prince William’s ‘focus’ on New York trip his way of ‘coping’ amid event that was ‘too painful’, royal expert claims
An expert has alleged Prince William's 'way of dealing' with painful reminders and the situation with Prince Harry is to focus on his work


Prince William’s “focus” on his New York trip could reportedly be his way of “coping” amid an event that might have been “too painful” for him, a royal expert has claimed.
- The Prince of Wales recently went to New York where he attended the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit as the Invictus Games 2023 were going on.
- An expert has claimed that Prince William’s way of “dealing” with his relationship with his brother Prince Harry is to get on with work and NY was “no exception”.
- This royal news comes as Pippa Middleton makes a strong case for large, furry hats for winter.
After what has been a relatively quiet year travel-wise for most of the Royal Family, Prince William’s exciting solo trip saw him spend two days in the Big Apple from 18th September. Travelling without the Princess of Wales and their children, Prince William hinted at a dreamy destination for a future family trip. But despite his focus on the Earthshot Prize and making other significant visits during his time in New York, it’s been claimed the trip could have been a lot more bittersweet than it first appeared. According to royal expert Duncan Larcombe, in the “quieter moments” of the trip, Prince Harry would have been in the future King’s thoughts.
Duncan expressed his belief to OK! that Prince William had “coped” with the so-called “rift” between him and Prince Harry by throwing himself into work. It seems Prince William’s “focus” in New York was reportedly “no exception”.
“I think William’s way of dealing with it is to focus on the job in hand, and that’s how he’s coped. It’s the same with Kate,” the expert claimed. “They’re rolling their sleeves up and getting on with it and William’s trip to New York is no exception to that.”
He went on to reflect upon how being in the US during the Invictus Games might well have been something that will “remind” Prince William of his brother. Duncan also revealed he’s conflicted over whether the Prince of Wales will have “dared” to watch Prince Harry’s Invictus Games Netflix documentary, Heart of Invictus, or much of the actual Games in Düsseldorf.
The expert alleged, “There are always going to be certain things that will remind William of his younger brother and that will be upsetting for him - I don’t doubt that for a second. I’d love to know how much of the Invictus Games William saw and whether or not he even dared watch the Netflix documentary about it. Maybe it was just too painful for him.”
For Duncan, this is “such a shame” as he claimed that “they could have lent some clout to each other’s projects” if they had been “on speaking terms”.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
The brothers haven’t both attended the same public engagement in person, excluding royal occasions like the coronation, since the unveiling of a new statue of Princess Diana on what would’ve been her 60th birthday in 2021.
RRP: £14 ($17.11) | Spare by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Amazon
Prince Harry tells the story of his life, from growing up in the Royal Family to meeting Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their decision to depart as working royals. Featuring intriguing insights, self-examination and revelations.
Earlier this year Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, was released, fuelling further speculation about the relationship between him and his older brother. Speaking to ITV News’ Tom Bradby ahead of its publication, the Duke of Sussex affirmed his desire to heal his bond with Prince William.
“I would like to have my brother back,” he declared at the time and many fans would likely be delighted to see them reunite again in public in the not-too-distant future after both attended the coronation in May.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Meryl Streep just wore the trending denim style that's set to replace barrel leg jeans this summer
It's my job to spot trends, and I guarantee you're going to want these flattering jeans
-
JLo's elegant midi dress convinced me to add pattern to my monochrome wardrobe
The singer proves florals are still very much in style
-
Kate Middleton is 'terrified' Prince George will take up the daring hobby Prince William decided to 'tone down' after becoming a dad
The Princess of Wales once revealed how Prince William's hobby used to fill her with 'horror' and he decided he'd have to 'tone it down'
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s anniversary photo is one of their most romantic snaps - without even showing their faces
Each year I look forward to the release of a special picture to mark the Prince and Princess of Wales’s wedding anniversary.
-
Is Prince Harry finally ready to return home and can William forgive him?
It may appear as if Prince Harry is saying he wants to come home
-
Prince William's hilarious wedding day comment to Kate Middleton's dad
The Prince of Wales was spotted exchanging a few words with Michael Middleton and it's been suggested that he made a quick joke.
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William to spend anniversary in bittersweet location holding 'happiest and saddest' memories
Just like King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales will mark their wedding anniversary away from home this year.
-
Remember when Prince William and Kate Middleton broke royal protocol at Easter? Here's why it's unlikely to happen again
The Royal Family might be taking a more modern approach these days, but there are some traditions and protocols that they still uphold.
-
Prince George will start a new school next year and 'smart money' is on Kate and William choosing this one, says royal expert
Prince George only has just over a year left at Lambrook School and Emily Andrews believes there's a top contender for his next one.
-
Prince George’s hilarious warning for TV star passed on by Prince William ahead of series cameo
The Prince of Wales has passed on a cheeky message from Prince George to the star of one of his new favourite shows