Rumor has it, Prince William and Prince Harry’s double act has come to an end. But, while the royal split might come as a shock to some, the reason for Prince William and Prince Harry’s separation makes a lot of sense.

Up ahead, we take a closer look at why the princes want separate courts, plus how Prince William and Prince Harry’s royal duties will differ in the year’s to come.

They plan to go their separate ways

Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, a lot of changes are underway. Not only will the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcome a royal baby in spring 2019, but they also plan to go their separate ways from Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Several reports suggest the parents-to-be plan to move into Kensington Palace. However, it’s not because they want to be closer to their brother and sister-in-law. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Moving into Prince Harry’s childhood home will establish more separation between the royal brothers.

They want to create two separate courts in Kensington Palace

According to The Sunday Times, Prince William and Prince Harry are considering two separate courts within Kensington Palace. Right now, the brothers share a joint royal household, based at Kensington Palace where they grew up. But, since their responsibilities are only growing more and more different by the day, they believe it makes sense to create separate courts — House Cambridge and House Sussex — to better distinguish their duties.

They don’t rely on each other as much

In The Sunday Times report, a source close to the brothers claims “the brother have leant [sic] on each other and looked after each other since their mother died. But now they have their own families, they no longer rely on each other as before.” While this might come as a shock to some fans, there’s no need to panic. The brothers will likely still be there for each other when needed, just not as much as they used to.

Prince Harry has more freedom than Prince William

Ever wonder why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are allowed to do and say things that the Cambridges aren’t? It’s because Prince Harry has a lot more freedom than his brother. Since Harry is sixth in line to the throne, some royal family rules are much more relaxed for him (and his wife). As William prepares to step into his future role, we will likely see more divide in the brothers’ behaviors.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have to focus on their future roles

The future king and queen consort of England have a lot to focus on. And, with the queen well into her 90s, William could become the heir apparent in the next few years. Because of that, it’s time for William and Kate to get serious about their role in the family and learn as much as they can from the Queen and Prince Charles.

They will have different royal rules

Because Prince Harry is sixth in line to the throne, his life is not nearly as calculated as Prince William’s. As the future monarch, William (and Kate) must comply with certain royal rules and regulations. And while Harry is still expected to follow the protocol, he and Meghan have some more wiggle room.

Their staff will also be different

According to reports by E! News, Prince William and Prince Harry will likely have different staff, too. Once Prince Charles ascends the throne and Prince William becomes heir apparent, he will have a much different role from his brother and therefore require separate staffing.

Changes are already underway

The separation might come as a shock to royal family fans, but the princes have had this planned. And, the changes are allegedly already underway. With a royal baby on the way, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are prepared to move out of Knottingham Cottage and into the main living quarters of Kensington Palace.

The brothers (and their wives) are still close

Despite the separation, Prince William and Prince Harry are still very close. And, we imagine they will only get closer once the new royal baby arrives and William passes on his parenting advice to Harry.

According to several reports, the brothers and their wives will likely still go out together (whether it be personal or professional) and remain as close as possible.

Their kids will grow up together

As neighbors at Kensington Palace, Prince William and Prince Harry’s children will likely grow up together. And, even once William and Kate move into Buckingham Palace and assume their roles as king and queen consort, it is likely the cousins (and brothers) will still spend time together as a family.

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