Prince William told a friend hes sad that he and Prince Harry are now separate entities after his brother announced plans earlier this week to step away from the British royal family, reported The Sunday Times .

Ive put my arm around my brother all our lives and I cant do that any more; were separate entities, William reportedly told the friend. Im sad about that.

The Duke of Cambridge reportedly continued: All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope that the time comes when were all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the same team.

Harry and wife Meghan Markle , the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, sent shock waves around the world when they suddenly announced in a statement Wednesday that they planned to step back as senior members of the royal family.

After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution, the couple wrote in an Instagram post.

They said they will work to become financially independent while continuing to support the queen and plan to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America.