Prince William & Prince Harry Draw Comparisons With Their Major Roles In Very Different Charity Awards

Dec 05, 2022

Ever since Prince William and Prince Harry first burst onto the scene, they have been unable to escape constant comparisons, not only to each other but to their late mother, Princess Diana and father, King Charles III. Having lived their entire lives in the public eye, the brothers have sought comfort in knowing they were both largely going through many of the same experiences. This made them close, particularly in their youth. 

However, as the two have grown and started their own families, many say they are drifting apart, especially after Harry’s exit from the royal family in 2020. With their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, and William’s advancement to becoming Prince of Wales and the very next in line to the throne, the two have, along with their respective families, again become fodder for tabloid comparisons and judgment. 

Before the queen's passing, William and Harry had rarely been seen together since the younger brother moved to America with his wife and their young children. A now infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which the Sussexes spoke freely about their treatment by the royal family as well as the press and the public, seemed to further push a divide between the brothers. 

Another difference between the brothers is their father’s treatment of them. Charles and Harry have had their fair share of ups and downs and now that Charles is king, the father and son will be forced to consider their relationship more closely. In striking contrast, Charles regularly includes Prince William in his affairs, such as by including him in preparations for his coronation and official royal family portraits. 

With the Prince and Princess of Wales back in the United States, home to Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, comparisons to the Sussexes are again at the fore.

Prince William was born on June 21, 1982, while his younger brother Harry was born on Sept. 15, 1984. Their mother was Diana, Princess of Wales, the first wife of King Charles III. Known as the “People’s Princess,” Diana was well-loved by many as an individual and as a mother, too. 

Princess Diana was a doting mother to her two children and cared for them dearly. During her time in the spotlight as a key member of the royal family due to her marriage to King Charles III, Diana was highly respected for her friendliness, charisma, activism and charity work.

Charity work is at the crux of the British royal family, with its members taking on various roles championing various causes in service of the people. Both William and Harry have also established varied non-profit organizations, events and prizes concerning issues close to their hearts. Among the most famous is Harry’s Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded servicemen and women. According to Harry, the games “focus on what they can achieve post-injury and celebrate their fighting spirit, though an inclusive sporting competition that recognizes the sacrifice they have made.”

As for William, one of his most admirable creations has been the establishment of the Earthshot Prize, which he developed alongside renowned environmentalist David Attenborough. It comprises five categories – the restoration and protection of nature, air cleanliness, waste-free living, ocean revival and climate action – for which contributors receive a grant of £1 million (about $1.2 million). According to the royal family website, the prize aimed to “turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by celebrating the people and places driving change” as, in William’s words, “we need everyone – from all parts of society – to raise their ambition and unite in repairing our planet.”

In December 2022, Prince William and his wife Kate journeyed to Boston, Massachusetts, to present the Earthshot Prize Awards. Prior to the ceremony, the pair set about touring local sites, speaking to underserved communities and meeting innovators in the realm of science and technology. On Dec. 4, 2022, the royal couple graced the ceremony at the MGM Music Hall to present the prizes to the five winners. 

In a peculiar turn of events, just as the Prince and Princess of Wales were in Boston to present prizes, the Sussexes are due in New York City on Dec. 6, 2022, to receive the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award. They are being recognized for their work in racial justice and mental health through their Archewell Foundation. According to Kerry Kennedy, the couple exemplified “moral courage” against systemic racism. 

“(Harry and Meghan) went to the oldest institution in U.K. history and told them what they were doing wrong, that they couldn't have structural racism within the institution; that they could not maintain a misunderstanding about mental health,” Kerry told Spanish magazine Vanitatis, according to People. She added: 

“They knew that if they did this there would be consequences, that they would be ostracized, they would lose their family, their position within this structure, and that people would blame them for it. They have done it anyway because they believed they couldn't live with themselves if they didn't question this authority. I think they have been heroic in taking this step.”

Also coincidentally, Kerry’s cousin, Caroline Kennedy, escorted the Waleses on a tour of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library and Museum on Dec. 2, 2022.

While much can be made about the difference between the royal brothers, the fact that both remain committed to championing causes they truly believe will always tie them together. 

What do you think about Prince William and his brother Prince Harry’s charitable service? Do you think they are more similar than the press makes them out to be? Let us know and be sure to pass this along to friends and family to get their views on the matter.