Veteran royal correspondent Jennie Bond notes, "I suspect Catherine was a key factor in the gradual softening of her husband's previously hard-line stance." She also notes that in a film Catherine made about the end of chemotherapy, she expressed how the experience reshaped her outlook on life. "Her priorities now seem to revolve around family, affection, and being loved. She may have convinced William that holding grudges is futile because life is short."

After nearly two years of no contact between the estranged royal brothers, the Prince of Wales sent a warm birthday greeting to the Duke of Sussex on his 40th birthday via social media on September 15. There have been no further exchanges or messages since. Given the unexpected nature of the gesture, Bond advises caution against hasty interpretations.

"The birthday greeting shared on the official royal website may indicate a possible warming of relations between Harry and his father," Bond commented. "However, this is a cautious initial move in a complex and delicate situation. I still believe the relationship between the brothers is almost beyond repair." An unnamed royal insider suggested that the lack of such a greeting in previous years made this particular confirmation notable, citing the significance of Harry's milestone birthday.

“When the King ascended the throne, he issued new guidelines stipulating that only senior working royals would receive congratulatory messages on social media. However, given that this was such a significant occasion for Harry, it made sense to adjust the formality accordingly. Why would they offer a regular birthday greeting when they have consistently ignored the Sussexes’ birthdays?” the insider commented.

Despite the ongoing tensions, some commentators have suggested that the Royal Family should try to set a positive example, as “petty squabbles” are at odds with that mission. Bond added, “William has many responsibilities that leave him little time to address Harry. However, initial gestures are important. While it seems unlikely that the brothers will restore their previous closeness, that doesn’t mean the future has to be marked by hostility. Catherine is right; family should always come first.”

Lady Jane Fellowes, the widow of Lord Robert Fellowes, played an influential role in the formative years of Prince Harry and Prince William. The development comes after their “contactless reunion” at their uncle’s memorial service on August 29, where sources said they chose not to interact or even acknowledge each other despite being in close proximity at the event.