Prince William is reportedly dejected at the prospect of his brother Prince Harry stepping away from the royal family as the close relationship the brothers once enjoyed has soured, according to reports.

The Duke of Cambridge reportedly said that he is unable to even "put an arm around" his younger brother nowadays as the duo drifted apart over the past year after a rift.

William's statement comes days after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, making a shock announcement on January 8 said that they were withdrawing from their roles as 'senior members' of the royal family and were working to become financially independent.

The couple's decision to quit as senior royals has reportedly widened the distance between the two siblings, with William believed to be "incandescent with rage" over his brother blindsiding their family.

"I've put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can't do that any more—we're separate entities," William, while said confiding in a friend, according to the Sunday Times.

He also talked about his frustration that his brother was no longer part of the "team" by deciding to become "financially independent."

However, William hoped that there will "come a time" when the Sussexes will be "singing from the same page" again.

Reports state that the Queen is concerned about her grandson Harry's mental fragility amidst reports that he decided to part ways because he feared Meghan was "on the brink" and could suffer a meltdown if she continued to live in the UK. 

The royal family, meanwhile, is striving to contain the already tense situation. A source told the Daily Mail: "There is no suggestion that they will be punished or stripped of their royal titles or HRH status. Everyone wants to find a solution to this as quickly as possible."

Harry and Meghan made their bombshell announcement through a joint public statement on Instagram, which read: "We have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment."

The Palace was reportedly left blindsided by the couple's announcement, leaving them scrambling to downplay the Sussex's claim. A Palace spokesperson on Wednesday said: "Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."