Prince William's birthday wish for Harry is not reconciliation move: 'just formality'

Prince William's birthday message to Prince Harry is "not an olive branch," royal commentator Michael Cole has claimed.

As Prince Harry marks his 40th birthday today, he has received unexpected public well-wishes from both King Charles and Prince William. Despite these gestures, royal commentators have warned against reading these birthday greetings as a signal of reconciliation.

Former royal reporter Michael Cole stated: "The big surprise of today is that the Prince and Princess of Wales added their birthday good wishes to those of Buckingham Palace.

"Now there's been none of that for at least two years. So what should we read into that? Well I would say it is definitely not an olive branch."

Cole emphasised that the brothers are "still at war" and described the gesture as merely "obliging to do the right thing" in acknowledging Harry's milestone birthday.

He added: "I think the fragility, the coldness that exist will continue at the moment."

Despite the public messages, Cole suggested that a reconciliation between Harry and his family is unlikely under the current circumstances. The birthday wishes posted on social media were accompanied by photographs of Prince Harry. 

The Royal Family’s post featured a photo of the Duke laughing, and William and Kate shared the same post on their accounts. Such public acknowledgements are notable, given that birthday wishes are usually reserved for working royals. 

Sources told PEOPLE in July that Harry's efforts to reach out to his father and brother through calls, texts, and letters have not received any response.

The rift with Prince William was described as "very bad" but not "irreparable".

The brothers last made a public appearance together following Queen Elizabeth's death in September 2022, when they greeted mourners outside Windsor Castle alongside their wives. 

During King Charles' coronation in May 2023, Harry was seated two rows behind William and his family, underscoring the persistent tension. 

The ongoing rift between Harry and the Royal Family has been extensively documented. Reports indicate that Harry's relationship with his father and brother has significantly worsened since he stepped down from his royal duties in 2020.