Prince William’s powerful speech during King Charles’s Coronation Concert last year has reignited public speculation that he may have been subtly addressing his brother Prince Harry and sister-in-law Meghan Markle.
The speech, delivered at Windsor Castle following King Charles III’s coronation at Westminster Abbey, has since drawn attention for what some perceived as a veiled comment on the couple’s decision to step down from royal duties.
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During his address, Prince William paid tribute to his father’s decades of service, saying, “Pa, we are all so proud of you. As my Grandmother said when she was crowned, coronations are a declaration of our hopes for the future. And I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us. She would be a proud mother.”
However, it was his comments about service that sparked online debate, with many interpreting his words as a subtle criticism of Prince Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal life.
“For all that celebrations are magnificent, at the heart of the pageantry is a simple message. Service. My father’s first words on entering Westminster Abbey yesterday were a pledge of service. It was a pledge to continue to serve,”William emphasized.
Many viewers on social media quickly speculated that this remark was aimed at Harry, who, along with Meghan, stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020.
The couple had previously sparked controversy by issuing a statement that read, “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal,” following Buckingham Palace’s declaration that their departure meant it would “not be possible to continue with responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.”
Some X users were quick to point out the perceived reference, with one commenting, “Service, Harry. Do you hear that? Not a free ride.” Another added, “SERVICE. Something Harry doesn’t understand.”
At the time of the coronation, Harry attended the service at Westminster Abbey but did not participate in any further celebrations.
His strained relationship with his family, particularly his brother William, has remained in the public spotlight since the release of his memoir, which reportedly left William and Princess Catherine feeling deeply betrayed.
Prince William, meanwhile, has continued to focus on his royal duties.
He and Princess Catherine made a surprise joint appearance last weekend to meet with the families affected by the Southport attacks, marking one of Catherine’s first public engagements since her cancer treatment.
The couple later released a joint statement, emphasizing the importance of community support in the wake of tragedy.
The rift between the royal brothers may still be far from mended, but as Prince William’s speech suggested, the values of service and duty remain a core part of his public message.
Whether or not his words were intended as a direct comment on Harry and Meghan, they have certainly reignited the ongoing debate over the couple’s departure from royal life.
