Why Prince Harry was once the media's favourite, and Prince William wasn't

Prince Harry was “absolutely loved” inside Buckingham Palace and by the press during his early royal years, according to Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II (2001–2013). 

Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive, Anderson said the Duke of Sussex was the “life and soul of the party,” a decorated Afghanistan veteran and natural charmer who “couldn’t do a thing wrong.”

By contrast, Prince William was viewed as “more serious and shy,” she added, while stressing Harry was “funny, intelligent” and deeply committed to the military, with the Invictus Games standing as proof of that passion. 

Anderson even recalled a cheeky moment posing arm-in-arm with Harry “outside a ladies’ loo,” laughing that he was always happy to engage warmly with staff.

Reflecting on today’s relentless royal news cycle, Anderson praised Palace press teams for doing a “brilliant job” in a 24/7 environment, “even when you’re on holiday, you’re still getting media calls.”

Meanwhile, whispers of a thaw continue. 

Senior aides to King Charles and Harry were recently spotted meeting at London’s Royal Over-Seas League. 

While there was “no formal agenda,” both sides reportedly had “things…to talk about”, fuelling cautious hopes of a path to reconciliation.

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