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Princes William and Harry dismiss ‘offensive and potentially harmful’ story about their relationship

Joint statement says a ‘false story’ has circulated with regards to royal brothers’ relationship

Sabrina Barr
Monday 13 January 2020 12:51 GMT
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Cars arrive at Sandringham during 'crisis talks'

The Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge have released a joint statement dismissing a “false story” published today in a UK newspaper with regards to their relationship.

The statement reads: ”Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge.

“For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful.” The newspaper in question is not specified.

The release of the royal brothers’ statement comes following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex‘s announcement last week, in which they said they wish to step down as “senior” members of the royal family.

In the statement, shared on the couple’s Instagram account, Meghan and Prince Harry said they wish to become “financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen”.

Buckingham Palace responded to their announcement by saying discussions with the couple are “at an early stage”.

“We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through,” a spokesperson for the Palace said.

Today, the Queen is due to be joined at Sandringham by the Prince of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry to discuss the “next steps” for the Sussexes.

The Duchess of Sussex will not be present at the meeting, having returned to Canada to be with her eight-month-old son, Archie, although it is reported she will call into the discussion.

In October, Prince Harry addressed a rumoured “rift” between him and Prince William.

The duke was questioned about their relationship by journalist Tom Bradby for an ITV documentary about his and Meghan’s royal tour of southern Africa.

“We’re brothers. We’ll always be brothers,” the royal said. “We’re certainly on different paths at the moment but I will always be there for him and as I know he’ll always be there for me.”

Prince Harry added that he loves his brother “dearly”, stating: “The majority of this stuff is created out of nothing.”

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