Prince Harry has revealed that a palace statement denying claims Prince William had “bullied” him and Meghan out of the royal family was issued without his consent — leaving him “furious” and Meghan in floods of tears.

The brothers, once close after enduring their parents’ divorce and the loss of Princess Diana, are now estranged and living on opposite sides of the Atlantic. In Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, Harry recalled a moment that he believes drove a wedge between them.

“A story came out saying part of the reason Meghan and I were leaving was because William had bullied us out,” Harry said. “Once I got in the car after a meeting, I was told about a joint statement in my name and my brother’s name squashing the story. I couldn’t believe it. No one had asked me. I rang M and told her — she burst into tears because within four hours they were happy to lie to protect my brother, and for three years, they were never willing to tell the truth to protect us.”

Harry admitted he understood why William sided with “the institution” — calling it his “inheritance” and “responsibility” — but said the episode marked a turning point in their relationship.