Big brother is not watching: William and Harry make a joint appearance ... of sorts

Princes William and Harry made a rare joint appearance at a charity event on the same night as the Duchess of Sussex unveiled her new cooking and lifestyle brand.

In a sign of the times, the Duke of Sussex only spoke via video link – after his estranged brother had delivered his speech at London’s Science Museum and left the building.

Both were guests of honour at The Diana Legacy Award, established in memory of their late mother, which celebrates the achievements of 20 exceptional young leaders who are inspiring the next generation.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the awards, something both brothers were apparently keen to be part of.

But while William met key staff and supporters in person before delivering his speech, his younger brother dialled in from his home in California three-and-a-half hours later, at about midnight UK time on Thursday.

Sources said it had never been intended for Harry to be there in person.

They explained that his address was significantly later than his brother’s because the young award winners were being treated to a gala dinner following William’s departure at 8.10pm.

They were then due to be ushered into a room to chat with Harry for around 30 minutes.

However, it will certainly be seen as a sign of how far apart the brothers now are.

Earlier William met with the award winners in person, who represented countries around the world

“Each and every one of their stories are testament to their character, passion and determination to make a lasting and meaningful difference to the lives of others. The paths taken by these young people have not always been easy. Many have overcome adversity and prejudice, but they are driven by courage, compassion and commitment —qualities shared by my mother.”

He said the Diana Award had been set up “to reflect my mother’s belief that young people can change the world”, adding that was something both he and his wife have tried to replicate. She taught me that everyone has the potential to give something back; that everyone in need deserves a supporting hand in life. “

Minutes before William’s speech, Harry’s wife Meghan launched her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard. In a glitzy Instagram video for the new venture, she can be seen busying herself in a rustic-looking kitchen .

An insider told the Britain’s Daily Mail: “The brand is meant to coincide with the launch of a new cookery show for Netflix. Meghan will be making, and selling products such as jams. At some point there will be a book and a blog.”

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam questioned the timing of the launch.

“The Sussexes in my opinion do nothing by accident and timing is often absolutely pivotal,” he said.

‘For years they’ve been unpredictable but they have been predictable in one sense, and that is the unerring timing when they believe it’s beneficial to get information out. They don’t do anything by accident.”

Earlier William, sporting a trendy navy shacket – a shirt-jacket hybrid – visited a new youth club in West London, where he played pool, basketball and even decorated biscuits.

William’ was making his first public appearance since the weekend’s furore over wife Catherine’s edited Mother’s Day photograph.

A leading photo agency said Kensington Palace could “no longer be trusted” as a source.