Prince Harry’s pal takes swipe at royals

A longtime friend of the Duke of Sussex has taken a thinly-veiled swipe at the royal family amid his ongoing rift with them.

IN LONDON

A longtime friend of Prince Harry has branded the royals as “very dysfunctional” in a new interview.

Former rugby union player James Haskell, who has spent plenty of time with the high-profile family over the years, made the unexpected remark in a candid chat with the London Times on Tuesday.

“Some aren’t as great as others,” he said.

“They do amazing work — but they’re also a modern family that’s very dysfunctional.”

Despite the criticism, the ex-athlete also defended the monarchy, describing its role as “important” and claiming he loves “what they do”.

Prince Harry’s family is “very dysfunctional”, according to his friend. Picture: Ethan Cairns/Getty Images

The duke and James Haskell in early 2018 at Twickenham Stadium in London. Picture: Heathcliff O'Malley – WPA Pool/Getty Images

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Harry has been engaged in a public rift with his family since leaving the UK in 2020, and is currently estranged from his brother and sister-in-law, the Prince and Princess of Wales.

He has made several trips to England this year but only saw his father, King Charles, once during a whirlwind visit in February following news of his cancer diagnosis.

Meanwhile, Haskell is very well-connected to the royals, having history with Harry and co-hosting The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast alongside Mike Tindall, the husband of Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara.

The royal family. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

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William and Kate were even guests on the show last year, sharing candid details about their sporty lifestyle and competitive natures while chatting with the former rugby players.

“I don’t know where this has come from,” Kate joked.

“I don’t think we’ve actually been able to finish a game of tennis. It becomes a mental challenge between the two of us.”

During the interview, which took place at Windsor Castle, William also revealed the “only time” he’s ever “cried when watching sport” – sweetly admitting it was when his cousin Zara won an equestrian competition.

“I think it was the European championship,” William said.

“I was down in Exmore at the time, camping. We were all huddling around the phone, watching it. She was there, she was blubbing away, the flag was going up. I was in pieces. I was so proud.”

Kate confirmed his story, adding: “I can remember, because you came back and said I’ve never been so proud of anyone.”