Prince William, heir to the British throne and eldest son of King Charles III, recently welcomed a close ally of his estranged brother Prince Harry to Windsor Castle for a special investiture ceremony. On June 25, the Prince of Walespresented Paralympic cycling champion Jaco van Gass with an OBE for his outstanding services to cycling.
The 38-year-old athlete, known for his remarkable achievements and strong ties to Prince Harry, was visibly honored by the royal recognition. Van Gass has a longstanding friendship with Harry, having worked closely with him through various charity initiatives and multiple appearances at the Invictus Games—an event founded by the Duke of Sussex to support wounded veterans.
A Surprising Gesture Amid Ongoing Royal Tensions
The award ceremony, held at Windsor Castle, was a notable event that also saw England football manager Gareth Southgate knighted. Van Gass, who had previously received an MBE in 2022, celebrated this milestone with his wife Kathryn, who shared the news on Instagram with a heartfelt post reading:
“Jaco van Gass OBE,” alongside a photo of her husband at the castle.
This latest move by Prince William may come as a surprise to Prince Harry, given the ongoing public feud between the two brothers since Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California.
Jaco van Gass: A Champion and Trusted Friend
Jaco van Gass has excelled as a competitive cyclist, winning multiple gold medals at the Invictus Games. His connection to Prince Harry goes beyond sport—he has described Harry as “a good lad and very down to earth” during a 2021 interview, underscoring their deep bond.
Since Harry’s departure from the royal frontline, sources note that the brothers’ lives have diverged significantly.
“Harry and Meghan are highlighting a life of fun and lightness while William’s is dominated by duty and public service. They are worlds apart,” a source told Us Weekly.
Despite this, Prince William’s decision to honor one of Harry’s closest friends signals a complex dynamic within the royal family, balancing personal relationships with public responsibilities.
