Amidst ongoing tensions within the royal family, Prince Harry reportedly expresses remorse over the strained relationship with his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. Recent revelations suggest Meghan Markle’s dynamic with her has turned increasingly contentious.
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle at the Christmas Day Church service on December 25, 2018, in King’s Lynn, England. | Source: Getty Images
In an exclusive interview, royal expert and author Tom Quinn remarked about the relationship between Harry, Kate, and Meghan. He believes Harry is having difficulties choosing a side.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Kate Middleton at the first annual Royal Foundation Forum on February 28, 2018, in London. | Source: Getty Images
Tom said Harry misses having a warm and uncomplicated relationship with the royal family. He noted, “He is torn between loyalty to his wife and regret about the loss of the woman he was so close to. Losing Kate was Harry’s second great loss after losing his mother.”
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour 2018 on June 9, 2018, in London. | Source: Getty Images
He also remarked that Meghan felt betrayed by Kate. He said, “Apart from anything else, Meghan knew Kate was an outsider, so she just couldn’t understand why Kate always towed the Royal line rather than supporting her, Meghan, the other outsider.”
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2019, in London. | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle departing from the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair on December 1, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Kate Middleton is one of those. She underwent an abdominal surgery in January and revealed her cancer diagnosis in March. Since her announcement, Meghan has been swayed by the news but she reportedly cannot see a way to mend her relationship with Kate.
Tom remarked, “Kate’s cancer diagnosis has been a real shock for Meghan, but she can see no way to patch up the relationship simply because it has become so poisonous.”
Meghan Markle at The Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition at the Southbank Centre on July 17, 2018 in London. | Source: Getty Images
He noted that Meghan may not also want to repair her relationship with Kate at this point. She does not want observers to feel like she’s only making an effort because Kate is facing health challenges.
Meghan Markle at the University of Chichester’s Engineering and Technology Park on October 3, 2018, in Bognor Regis, England. | Source: Getty Images
According to Tom, “Meghan still feels Kate was in the wrong and should apologise before they try to build bridges.” He also revealed that Harry and Meghan did not know Kate had cancer until she announced it.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on day six of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 on September 15, 2023, in Germany. | Source: Getty Images
Despite reportedly finding out the news with the rest of the world, the couple sent their best wishes to the Princess of Wales. Their official statement wished her healing and hoped for her privacy.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry onstage during World Mental Health Day Festival on October 10, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In his book “Spare,” Harry talks about his relationship with Kate. He reflected on the times when they would goof around and have fun. He wrote that he loved seeing her laugh.
Prince Harry and Kate Middleton laughing at the Order of the Garter procession on June 16, 2008, in Windsor. | Source: Getty Images
Harry also acknowledged Kate’s difficulties in the royal household. He wrote that she felt trapped and was persecuted unfairly by the press, King Charles, and Queen Camilla.
Harry never regarded Kate as his sister-in-law. He penned, “I felt she was more sister than in-law, the sister I’d never had and always wanted.” He was also happy to have her in their family, especially on Prince William’s side.
Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate Middleton at the RBS Six Nations Championship match between England and Italy on February 10, 2007, in London. | Source: Getty Images
In his book, he also addressed the rumors that Meghan made Kate cry over bridesmaids’ dresses. Harry said he read the story in disbelief and clarified that the royal correspondent in question always got things wrong.
We previously reported that royal fans are captivated by the tensions in the royal family. Recently, there was a glimmer of hope as the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might be on the path to reconciliation.
Prince William, Princess Catherine, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry at the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II on September 14, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Amidst the public and private strains that have marred the relationships within the British Royal Family, Tom brought to light efforts by Prince William and Princess Kate to bridge the divide.
Princess Catherine, Princes William and Harry, and Meghan Markle on a walk at Windsor Castle on September 10, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Tom suggests that the future of these familial bonds could well rest on the young shoulders of their children, marking a poignant turn in the ongoing royal saga.
Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte during the Trooping the Colour during Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee on June 02, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
According to Tom, William and Kate are extending an olive branch to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with a heartfelt appeal for unity through their offspring and “to make up” within the family.
Prince William, Princess Catherine, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle during the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 9, 2020 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
This move, as Tom articulates, is not just about mending fences; it’s a testament to William and Kate’s deep-seated belief in family and legacy. However, the dynamics within the royal family are complex, and Meghan’s apparent reluctance to heed this call adds layers to an already intricate narrative.
Meghan Markle and Princess Catherine attending day twelve of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Tom, in his discussions with The Mirror, unveils the lengths to which the Prince and Princes of Wales have gone in their quest for peace within the family.
Princess Catherine and Prince William with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk | Source: Getty Images
They have not only reached out to Meghan and Harry but have specifically requested the presence of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in the UK, with hopes that a family reunion could spark a much-needed reconciliation.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry with their son, Archie, during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa | Source: Getty Images
Despite these efforts, the suggestion seems to have hit a standstill, with Meghan firmly against the idea of bringing their children across the Atlantic.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose with newborn Archie during a photocall in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images
Tom’s insights shed light on a complicated relationship, marked by a mix of earnest attempts at reconciliation and stark realities of unresolved issues. “There is no way Meghan would bring the children to the UK,” Tom remarked, encapsulating the challenge at hand.
Meghan Markle with her son, Archie and Princess Catherine with her son, Prince George at the King Power Royal Charity Polo Match at Billingbear Polo Club on July 10, 2019 in Wokingham, England | Source: Getty Images
The dynamics between these royal couples are further complicated by their public and private personas. While William and Kate represent the traditional royal path, their efforts to mend fences highlight their roles not just as royals but as family members striving for unity.
Prince William, Princess Catherine, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry at the Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on December 25, 2018 in King’s Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images
This gesture of reaching out, despite the public feuds and personal disagreements, underscores a fundamental desire to prioritize family ties over public perception. However, the hesitance from the Sussexes to respond in kind illustrates the deep-seated complexities that plague their relationships.
Prince William, Princess Catherine, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in central London, on March 12, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Amid these ongoing efforts, Harry’s expected return to the UK adds another layer to the narrative. Harry is slated to attend the Invictus Games 10th Anniversary Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on May 8.
Prince Harry at the Sportcampus Zuiderpark to mark the official launch of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 on May 9, 2019 in The Hague, Netherlands | Source: Getty Images
This visit reignites the conversation about the possibilities of a family reconciliation. With the Invictus Games holding significant personal importance to Harry, his participation in this event on British soil could offer a window of opportunity for informal discussions and perhaps even a step towards mending fences.
Prince Harry speaking during the nvictus Games Sydney 2018 Opening Ceremony at Sydney Opera House on October 20, 2018 in Sydney, Australia | Source: Getty Images
While Harry and William are currently estranged, they have still expressed love for one another’s children on many different occasions.
Prince William and Prince Harry during the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
When Meghan and Harry welcomed their son, Archie, in 2019, Kate and William took to Instagram to congratulate the new parents and said they looked forward to meeting their nephew.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry with Archie at the King Power Royal Charity Polo Match at Billingbear Polo Club on July 10, 2019 in Wokingham, England | Source: Getty Images
In 2021, when Meghan and Harry’s daughter, Lilibet was born, Kate said at a press conference that she wished her new niece all the best and hoped to meet her soon.
Kate and William have also publicly acknowledged their niece and nephew’s birthdays. In 2022, when Lilibet turned one, they shared a tweet wishing her a happy birthday.
Despite the distance, Meghan and Harry have kept in touch with the royal family. We previously reported on March 29, 2024, that Harry made his way back to the UK to see his father after the King’s cancer diagnosis:
Prince Harry at the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London, England on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Harry is set for a “short and formal” meeting with King Charles III during his visit to the United Kingdom in May, amid the King’s battle with cancer. This visit—expected to unfold against the backdrop of the Invictus Games event—underscores the evolving dynamics within the royal family, particularly between the father and son as they navigate the complexities of their relationship marred by past grievances and public scrutiny.
King Charles III attends the Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, England on February 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The impending visit follows the shocking announcement of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis that was made in February and led to an immediate visit by Harry, who flew to the UK from the United States. Their interaction—a reported half-hour chat at Clarence House—marked their first substantial private conversation in over 15 months.
Prince Harry spotted in Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan on August 10, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Tom sheds light on the tentative steps toward reconciliation between the dad and his son, suggesting that the upcoming meeting is a significant step in their complex relationship.
“It won’t be quite so difficult for Harry to see his father, although that relationship is also fraught with pain and a sense of grievance. But Charles knows Harry had a difficult childhood for which he, Charles, was partly responsible and so he is more forgiving than William,” Tom told a news outlet.
Prince William, Prince Harry and King Charles III at Princess Diana’s funeral in London, England on September 6, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry, King Charles III and Prince William during their annual skiing holiday in Klosters, Switzerland on March 29, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
However, the scars left by Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” and various interviews loom over their communication, making both the King and William, wary of private discussions potentially becoming public. This guardedness reflects the broader struggles of maintaining privacy within the public eye, a theme that has recurrently emerged in the narratives surrounding the royal family.
Prince Harry’s book “Spare” on display in a book store in Bath, UK on January 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Despite the ongoing apprehension and tension though, talks of forgiveness extending to other royal family members have surfaced as well. A media outlet reported that a reconciliation between Harry, his wife, Meghan, Kate Middleton, and Prince William may be on the horizon.
Prince William and Kate Middleton at the EE BAFTA Film Awards in London, England on February 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly reached out, offering their support during the difficult time faced by the Prince and Princess of Wales which signals a potential thaw in relations. This gesture of solidarity suggests a readiness from the Sussexes to step in and help out with royal duties, albeit on their own terms.
Grant Harrold, King Charles III’s former butler, voices optimism about the potential for reconciliation, stressing the fundamental ties of family and the instinct to unite in times of adversity. “Blood is thicker than water,” he remarked, encapsulating the sentiment that, despite past rifts, the shared experience of facing serious health challenges could pave the way for mending fences.
The Sussexes have also publicly expressed their wishes for privacy and healing for Kate and the royal family after they first heard of her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams noted that the current health crises may create an opportunity to bring the family closer together and to silence detractors with a unified front.
As Harry gears up to step back onto British soil, the world watches with bated breath. The upcoming reunion with his father amid the backdrop of illness and the potential for reconciliation with William and Kate represents more than just a familial gathering. It embodies the enduring struggle between duty, privacy, and the quest for understanding within one of the world’s most scrutinized families.
This story, rich with emotion and complexity, serves as a reminder of the human element that persists behind the grandeur of royalty. As Harry and King Charles III navigate their reunion, the hope for forgiveness, understanding, and healing remains a beacon in the turbulent waters of royal life
We previously reported on February 6, 2024, that Prince Harry was set to return to the UK where another visit with King Charles III is expected to take place. He planned to fly back home to see his ailing father after he first found out about his cancer diagnosis.
Harry returned to England to support his father, King Charles III, after the monarch’s recent cancer diagnosis. The Duke of Sussex, 39, was scheduled to arrive in London on Monday, according to a confirmation from the office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
King Charles III and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the “Our Planet” global premiere on April 4, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The statement announcing King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis posted on February 5, 2024 | Source: Instagram/theroyalfamily
Harry had already been in contact with King Charles following his diagnosis. Still, it was disclosed that Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, did not accompany him on this trip to support his father through this health scare.
King Charles III and Prince Harry at the ‘International Year of The Reef’ 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Royal staffers have kept Harry updated on the 75-year-old King’s health status, including the specifics of a recent prostate procedure. Harry has previously shared his complex feelings surrounding family and duty.
In the book “Spare,” he noted how his father was tired of his bickering with his brother, and his father had said, “Please, boys—don’t make my final years a misery.” Prince Harry also recounted instances from his past, including the profound impact of his grandfather’s counsel at Windsor, where the elder statesman had settled.
King Charles III and Prince Harry during the the commemorations for Gallipoli Campaign Centenary | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry, Prince William, and King Charles III at the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony in 2014 | Source: Getty Images
In the book, Harry also divulged emotional moments with his brother, William, whose resemblance to their late mother, Princess Diana, faded with time and age.
We previously reported on February 7, 2024, that Harry would be flying to the UK to see his father, he was seen arriving at Clarence House.
In a moment of deep personal significance, Harry was seen arriving at Clarence House in London, a heartfelt reunion with his father, King Charles III, following the King’s cancer diagnosis. This marks the first time in 16 months that Harry has been home, stirring an outpouring of concern and sympathy from fans worldwide.
Prince Harry being driven to Clarence House to see King Charles III in February 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The gravity of the situation is palpable among well-wishers and followers of the Royal Family. Social media is abuzz with fans expressing apprehension, with one fan noting Harry’s prompt return as “suspiciously” quick, potentially signaling the severity of the King’s condition.
Another concerned observer remarked that the situation “must be bad” if Harry made the journey so urgently. The sentiment is echoed across various platforms, with people fearing that the King’s health “is worse than we’ve been told,” while some grimly speculate that he “will not last 6 months.” Some believe “the diagnosis is more serious” than the royal family is letting on.
King Charles III and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the “Our Planet” global premiere on April 04, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Following the heartfelt visit, King Charles III was taken from Buckingham Palace to Sandringham to commence his cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace shared that the King has begun “regular treatments” and will temporarily step back from public duties. Despite the circumstances, the statement also conveyed the King’s optimism and eagerness to return to full public duty “as soon as possible.”
King Charles III seen leaving The London Clinic in London, England on January 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
After his coronation on May 6, 2023, and still within the first year of his reign, he is faced with this personal trial. An observer close to the situation reflected, “He will want to get on with the job. But that will depend on what treatment he is having. It may be utterly draining on him.
He will need a lot of support.” Meanwhile, Robert Hardman, author of The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy, shares, “In time, we might know, but for now, there is a feeling that they have been pretty open.”