When Prince William recently spoke of his commitment to the Church of England and his “quiet faith”, it could be seen as an insult to former Archbishop Justin Welby.
Sarah Mullally was installed as the Church’s 106th spiritual head last month in the presence of William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
However, royal experts say William distanced himself from the Church during Welby’s tenure, allegedly because of Welby’s close relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“Wall of silence and claims of grudge”
Speaking to Times Radio, Roya Nikkhah said Welby’s team had been trying for years to arrange a meeting with William but had faced a “wall of silence”.
She added: “William is someone who holds a grudge; he chooses sides. If someone chooses the other side, he remembers it.”
Harry and Meghan reportedly sought Welby’s advice. In their interview in 2021, Meghan claimed that he married them privately before their official wedding, which was later denied.
“Experts Defend William’s ‘Ruthless Streak'”
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said William’s tough approach was necessary.
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“William is our future king. Thank God he has a fierce streak…,” Fitzwilliams was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail, adding that the prince is a strong judge of character and diplomatically adept.
He argued that William was right to keep Welby “at arm’s length” and instead pursue relations with Sarah Mullally, who may one day crown him.
“Fallout with journalist Tom Bradby”
The report further stated that journalist Tom Bradby, who was once close to William, also allegedly fell out with him.
Bradby interviewed William and Catherine during their engagement in 2010. But tensions rose after he interviewed Harry and Meghan during their tour of Africa in 2019 and later spoke to Harry about his memoir.
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The expert said William saw this as a betrayal and has since cut off contact.
‘Harry and Meghan’s ongoing rift
William and Catherine have reportedly not met Harry and Meghan since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
“The brothers are not thought to have spoken since then,” the expert said, adding that William believes their actions after stepping down as working royals have damaged the monarchy.
“It was appalling and he has rightly not forgotten or forgiven what was hurtful and outrageous.”
“Firm stance on Prince Andrew”
William is also said to have taken a strong line against his uncle, Prince Andrew, amid the ongoing row.
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At a recent funeral, William reportedly seemed uncomfortable with Andrew’s behavior and told him it “doesn’t look good”. Catherine was also seen keeping her distance from Sarah Ferguson.
‘Concerns for Beatrice and Eugenie’
Experts say William was never close to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
He is said to be concerned about their public image and may consider restricting their use of royal titles in the future.
He also pressed for financial “ethics” checks, although these were rejected.
