A man who spent nearly a decade working closely with Prince Harry and Prince William has expressed cautious optimism that the estranged brothers may one day reconcile. Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, a 66-year-old former royal equerry and SAS soldier, served as Private Secretary to both princes for eight years before departing from his role in 2013.While promoting his upcoming novel ‘Beyond the Edge of Light’, Lowther-Pinkerton offered a rare insider’s perspective on the relationship between the two sons of King Charles, describing both as individuals of considerable courage and character. His comments come as Prince Harry prepares for a significant visit to the United Kingdom in July, marking the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton’s long history with Prince William and Prince Harry
Lowther-Pinkerton’s connection to the royal household spans decades. He served as equerry to the Queen Mother from 1984 to 1986, followed by his tenure as Private Secretary to the young princes and their future sister-in-law. His role placed him in a position to significantly influence the development and direction of both Harry and William’s lives during their formative years.The former military officer is now godfather to Prince George, second in line to the throne, a responsibility he has undertaken with considerable dedication. Speaking about his current role, Lowther-Pinkerton acknowledged that while he may not always be present, he makes the most of opportunities to engage with the young royal. “It sounds awful, but I’m a better godfather when it comes time to have a bit of fun,” he said while speaking to The Times.
Reflecting on his years with the Duke of Sussex, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton highlighted Harry’s dedication, character and service during his military career.image credit: (Meghan Markle Instagram)
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton on Prince William and Prince Harry’s character and courage
When reflecting on his time with the princes, Lowther-Pinkerton spoke with evident affection and respect for both young men. He described William, whom he characterised as bearing similarities to a protective lion figure, as someone who commanded considerable presence and responsibility from an early age.It was the brothers’ military service that Lowther-Pinkerton highlighted as particularly illustrative of their character and dedication to duty. He explained that during their years in uniform, he considered it essential that both perform their roles with complete integrity and professionalism. “When they were soldiers, it was important that they did it right and properly,” he said.Describing the decade he spent with them, Lowther-Pinkerton explained his approach was rooted in helping them achieve genuine accomplishment. “That’s how I saw that ten years I had with them, primarily to get it right so they could say, as my Anglo-Irish father used to say, ‘I’ve known the days. I’ve done it,'” he reflected.
Prince Harry and Prince William’s distinguished military achievements
Both Harry and William earned considerable respect for their military service, with Harry undertaking multiple operational deployments to Afghanistan. William, meanwhile, demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery in his role as a helicopter pilot, performing rescue operations in challenging conditions across British waters and difficult terrain.“Harry went on operations in Afghanistan twice and for William you can look anybody in the eye if you’re flying a Sea King on a fixed bearing through a force 8, force 9, out in the middle of the Irish Sea or the north Atlantic to pick up a sick crewman or fly up against the cliff face of Snowdonia in gusts,” Lowther-Pinkerton said, underscoring the danger and technical proficiency required of such work.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton remains optimistic about Prince Harry and Prince William’s future
Despite widespread reports that the two brothers have not spoken since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, Lowther-Pinkerton maintained a hopeful stance regarding their future relationship. When asked directly about the apparent rift between them, his response was characteristically measured but optimistic.“I’m a perennial optimist,” he said. “I think I’d better steer clear of that Harry issue. What I would say is that I was and am very fond of him.” His careful phrasing implies that he is sensitive to the issues that could arise between the two brothers, but at the same time, he is hopeful that they may be able to reconcile in the future.
The Sussex family is expected to travel to the UK in July as Prince Harry marks the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.image credit: (Meghan Markle instagram)
Prince Harry’s upcoming UK visit with Meghan Markle and their children
Harry will be heading to London in July with his wife Meghan Markle and their two kids, Archie and Lilibet. The visit is mostly about the commemorative activities of the Invictus Games, but there are also some questions regarding whether there will be any greater interaction between the two estranged brothers. As of now, there are no concrete signs that such a meeting will take place, even though there was a report of an agreement between King Charles and the Sussexes regarding the visit.
