Prince William’s text reply to Prince Harry ‘engineered’ by palace staff, according to royal expert Tom Quinn

Prince William’s response to a text message of support from his estranged brother Harry was engineered by palace staff, it’s been revealed.

Prince Harry had texted his brother to offer his sympathy from the US after news broke that Catherine, the Princess of Wales, had been diagnosed with cancer.

But royal expert and author Tom Quinn told The Mirror that Harry’s text was returned in a manner befitting two “slightly wary diplomats” rather than an informal conversation between brothers.

“Harry and Meghan have been in contact with William, but their private message was simply one of sympathy and didn’t include any suggestion the brothers should make up and let bygones be bygones or that Harry should fly back to the UK soon,” he said.

“There is just too much ill feeling for that.

“William, who is still hurt by everything Harry has said in the past, has responded, but the response is very much engineered by the palace and it’s hardly the kind of warm, informal response you would expect from one brother to another.

“It’s more like the sort of communication you would get between two slightly wary diplomats.”

Kate’s announcement on Saturday of her cancer diagnosis sent shockwaves around the world, after a period of intense speculation surrounding the Princess’ health.

In January, the palace revealed that the Princess would undergo “planned abdominal surgery” for an undisclosed condition.

The announcement came at the same time King Charles revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer following a routine prostate check.

On Saturday, Princess Catherine revealed that medical staff had discovered cancer after the abdominal surgery and that she had undergone a bout of “preventative chemotherapy”.

The revelation followed months of feverish speculation about the Princess’ condition, with conspiracy theorists and trolls speculating wildly about Catherine’s health while she withdrew from public life.

The Princess revealed that the diagnosis had come as a “huge shock”, saying she and William had been doing everything that could to manage it privately.

“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both. We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.

“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”