The world (or at least the portion that pays attention to British royals) was stunned last week when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle , the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced that they were stepping back as senior members of the royal family. The pair said theyll take on fewer duties while continuing to fully support Queen Elizabeth II .

For many onlookers at least those with siblings what resonated most was the human drama at the center of the story. While few of us can relate to the pomp and rigid protocol of royal life, many of us have experienced the unexpected pain of growing apart from a sibling in adulthood.

Its long been reported that theres a growing rift between Prince William , the Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry since the latter wed Markle a year and a half ago. (The brothers frosty body language at recent events and Harrys admission two months ago that the the pair have good days and bad days further fueled the rumors.)

Now, Harry a man whos had to endure being called the spare to the heir for the last 35 years wants to step back from the monarchy and forge his own path with his new family a decision that William reportedly has begrudgingly accepted.