Prince William’s birthday message is “not an olive branch” to Harry, royal commentator Michael Cole has claimed.

Prince Harry is celebrating his 40th birthday today, with unexpected public well-wishes from both King Charles and Prince William.

However, royal commentators have cautioned against interpreting these birthday wishes as a sign of reconciliation.

Former royal reporter Michael Cole stated: “The big surprise of today is that the Prince and Princess of Wales added their birthday good wishes to those of Buckingham Palace.

Prince William and Prince Harry have been embroiled in a bitter feudGetty

“Now there’s been none of that for at least two years. So what should we read into that? Well I would say it is definitely not an olive branch.”

Cole emphasised that the brothers are “still at war” and described the gesture as merely “obliging to do the right thing” in acknowledging Harry’s milestone birthday.

He added: “I think the fragility, the coldness that exist will continue at the moment.”

Despite the public messages, Cole suggested that any potential reconciliation between Harry and his family remains unlikely in the current circumstances.

The birthday messages shared on social media platforms were accompanied by photographs of Prince Harry.

The Royal Family’s post featured an image of the Duke laughing, whilst William and Kate shared the same post on their social media accounts.

These public acknowledgements are particularly significant given that such birthday wishes are typically reserved for working royals.

Sources told PEOPLE in July that Harry’s attempts to connect with his father and brother through calls, texts, and letters have gone unanswered.

The rift with Prince William was described as “very bad” but not “irreparable”.

Prince Harry and William used to have a close relationship

PA

The brothers last appeared together publicly after Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022, when they met mourners outside Windsor Castle with their wives.

At King Charles’ coronation in May 2023, Harry sat two rows behind William and his family, highlighting the ongoing tension.

The ongoing rift between Harry and the Royal Family has been well-documented.

According to reports, Harry’s relationship with his father and brother has deteriorated significantly since his departure from royal duties in 2020.