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“Happy Christmas to the Welsh Guards!” as Prince William shrugs off Prince Harry’s latest UK push

Published on December 12, 2025

Prince William appears unfazed by his estranged brother Prince Harry’s latest moves in the UK, making that clear with a very public show of focus and good spirits. On Thursday, December 11, the Prince of Wales joined the Welsh Guards for their annual Christmas celebrations, carrying out his duties without any visible concern about the renewed attention surrounding Harry.

William, 44, spent the evening thanking members of the regiment for their service in his role as Colonel, a position he inherited from King Charles III in 2022. The festive gathering took place just hours after reports emerged suggesting that Prince Harry’s efforts to increase his security in the UK may be tied to broader ambitions that could conflict with the royal family’s current structure.

Despite the timing, William did not appear rattled. Photos and videos shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram account showed him relaxed and engaged, serving pudding to soldiers, enjoying a beer, and laughing easily with members of the regiment.

“Happy Christmas to the Welsh Guards!” read the caption accompanying the post. “Proud to be Colonel of Regiment – and to serve pudding to the Junior Ranks this year! A huge thank you to the soldiers and families of the Welsh Guards for everything you do,” the future king added.

Prince Harry and Price William — (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

The cheerful appearance stood in contrast to the developments surrounding Harry, 41, who recently achieved a significant step forward in his long-running battle over UK security. Two days earlier, the Home Office ordered a threat assessment to determine whether Harry and his family require police protection during visits to Britain. This came after his initial appeal was rejected following the loss of taxpayer-funded protection in 2020. A final decision on the matter is expected next month.

While the legal move was framed as a safety issue for Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, reports suggest Harry’s motivations may extend further. According to Cosmopolitan, the Duke of Sussex’s push for security is tied to his desire to operate more freely and independently within the UK.

A source told the outlet that Harry has been “playing the long game. Harry wants legitimacy. He wants to operate in the UK on his own terms meetings, charitable work, high-level engagements without being treated like a guest in his own country.”

The same source suggested that this ambition highlights the ongoing divide between the brothers, adding, “William has his court. Harry wants his.”

For royal watchers, William’s public demeanor sends a clear message. Rather than engaging with speculation or reacting to Harry’s legal and strategic maneuvers, the Prince of Wales appears focused on his responsibilities and maintaining stability within the institution he is set to lead.

As Harry continues to pursue a greater presence in the UK, the contrast between the brothers’ paths remains stark. One is quietly reinforcing his role at the heart of the monarchy, while the other seeks to redefine his place outside of it.

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