The return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the UK is once again drawing attention to the Sussexes’ position within the Royal Family. Harry has re-established contact with King Charles, while his relationship with his brother William remains strained. However, according to sources cited by Marie Claire and PEOPLE, the differences in how the two brothers handle their relationship with Harry do not necessarily mean they disagree on the Sussexes’ place in the Royal Family.

Charles remained in contact with Harry, while William chose a different path.

Following Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK with their two children in late August, the relationship between Harry and King Charles is believed to have seen further exchanges. People reported that the father and children have spoken at least once since the Sussexes returned to the UK, although no direct meeting has been confirmed during this period. Prior to this, Harry, Meghan, and their two children met with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove in July.

Meanwhile, the situation between Harry and William remains largely unchanged. The two brothers are still described as distant and lacking direct contact. According to Russell Myers, author of * William and Catherine* , William believes that any relationship his father wishes to maintain with Harry or the Sussex family is King Charles’s personal choice. But for William himself, he is believed to have no intention of maintaining a relationship with Harry and Meghan, either professionally or personally.

This is also where the two men differ. Charles seems to maintain a personal channel of communication with his youngest son, while William keeps a clearer line between them. However, according to Myers, this difference doesn’t change their shared views on Harry and Meghan’s roles within the Royal Family.

Father and son have agreed: Harry and Meghan will not return to their roles as representatives of the Royal Family.

According to Russell Myers, “The King and William are in complete agreement” that Harry and Meghan do not represent the Royal Family . This is seen as a point where they both stand, even though their approaches to their personal relationship with Harry are very different.

This stance was further clarified in a document issued on behalf of King Charles on September 7th. The letter, addressed to British officials, reaffirmed that Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the Royal Family and will continue to be in a position not to perform duties representing the King. The document also reiterated the agreements regarding their withdrawal from royal roles in 2020.

According to Marie Claire, Harry and Meghan are still considered public figures with their own charitable activities and projects. But that’s different from returning to an official role representing the Royal Family. This boundary is now believed to remain in place after the Sussex family partially moved their lives back to England.

While Charles may continue to maintain a father-son relationship with Harry, William has chosen to focus on his family and his duties as Prince of Wales. Sources cited by PEOPLE indicate that William and Catherine want to avoid stories surrounding the Sussexes becoming a distraction from their current lives and work.

This also explains why Harry’s return to England doesn’t necessarily mean an immediate royal reunion. Charles can speak to his son, but William will still keep his distance; Harry can live in England and pursue personal activities, but that doesn’t mean he and Meghan will return to their roles as working members of the Royal Family.

Currently, the common ground between King Charles and Prince William lies in their respective roles, while their approaches to maintaining personal relationships with Harry are entirely different . This difference is what keeps the Sussex family’s story in the spotlight, especially as Harry and Meghan begin a new chapter in their lives in England.