At a Glance
- Prince William 43, in Bristol for sustainability engagements.
- Prince Harry 41, at the Royal Courts of Justice for a lawsuit against Associated Newspapers.
- Distance of about 120 miles separates the brothers on Jan. 22, 2026.
- Why it matters: Their separate activities highlight ongoing family rifts and a high-profile legal battle over press conduct.
On Jan. 22, 2026, Britain’s two most publicized princes found themselves a distance apart, each pursuing separate agendas that underscore their strained relationship and a controversial lawsuit that has drawn media scrutiny.
Separate Schedules
The day began with the Prince of Wales traveling to Bristol for a series of solo engagements, while the Duke of Sussex returned to London to face court. The brothers were not expected to see one another during Prince Harry’s current trip to the UK.
Royal Engagements in Bristol
Prince William’s itinerary focused on sustainability and innovation. He visited Matter, a sustainable tech pioneer and 2025 Earthshot Prize finalist, toured the University of Bristol’s NCC supercomputer – the UK’s most powerful – and explored the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, an internationally recognized human-centred robotics hub.
During the visit, William tried a lightweight mobility scooter, a novelty since his electric scooter is banned at his Windsor home. The scooter ride highlighted his willingness to engage with local tech in a playful way.
Legal Battle in London
Meanwhile, Prince Harry appeared at the Royal Courts of Justice to support Elizabeth Hurley, a key witness against Associated Newspapers Limited. The case is part of a series of lawsuits alleging unlawful information gathering.
- Seven high-profile claimants, including Harry, Hurley, and others, are involved.
- Harry testified on Jan. 21, 2026, and the nine-week trial began on Jan. 19, 2026.
- His witness statement names Prince William, King Charles, and Princess Kate as people he was in regular contact with from 1996 to 2014.
Associated Newspapers has denied the allegations, asserting that all information was obtained legally.
Family Tensions
The brothers have been estranged since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The last time Prince Harry visited England was in September 2025, when he met King Charles for the first time in 18 months.
King Charles, 77, was in Scotland for a royal reception in Edinburgh when Harry arrived at court. He later attended an audience with the President of Indonesia in London on Jan. 21, 2026.
Prince William and Kate Middleton were also in Scotland that Monday, taking them about 400 miles away from London as Harry appeared in court.
Timeline of Recent Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 19, 2026 | Harry begins nine-week trial at Royal Courts of Justice |
| Jan. 21, 2026 | Harry testifies; King Charles attends audience with Indonesian President |
| Jan. 22, 2026 | William in Bristol; Harry at court; 120 miles apart |
Key Takeaways
- Prince William’s day in Bristol showcased the city’s commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology.
- Prince Harry’s testimony in court underscores a broader campaign against press practices that he believes violated privacy.
- The brothers’ physical separation and public appearances reflect a deepening personal rift that has captured public attention.
These parallel narratives illustrate how royal duties, personal convictions, and legal battles intersect in the lives of the two princes.
