Recent reports indicate that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are seeking to rebuild their relationship with Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales. The Sussexes have not had an encounter with Middleton for a number of years, the last being a brief interaction with Prince Harry at King Charles’ coronation in May 2023. Their interest in reconnecting was sparked after Middleton’s public disclosure of her cancer diagnosis in March.
An insider informed OK! Magazine, “Meghan’s desperate to come across as the bigger person and end this feud between them — appearing like some sort of royal savior could only do her image good.”
However, despite the Sussexes’ efforts, they have had limited communication with the royal family. Prince Harry has made two trips to the UK this year, but neither included meetings with his brother, Prince William, or Kate Middleton. He only met with King Charles in February, while his three-day London visit in May did not include any family encounters. Meghan did not join her husband on these trips but met him at Heathrow Airport before they both flew to Nigeria.
Since their decision to step down as senior members of the royal family and their move to the United States, the Sussexes have largely been excluded by the royals. Their public revelations, including a six-part Netflix documentary and Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” have further deepened the division. It was reported this month that King Charles asked Prince Harry to stop publicizing personal details about the family’s private life.
The Sussexes’ efforts to rebuild ties with Kate coincide with her health issues. Her cancer diagnosis in March has reportedly drawn their attention. “Meghan has expressed a desire to move past all the nonsense and find a way towards healing for everyone’s sake,” a source said. However, it remains to be seen if William and Kate are open to reconciliation.
Another insider added, “When Kate gets back into action, they hope that it might take some of the heat off them and possibly trigger a truce with her and William, and with the king, too.”
The rift between the two couples dates back to the time leading up to Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding in May 2018. A disagreement over Princess Charlotte’s flower girl dress reportedly left Meghan in tears. Kate sent flowers and a card to apologize, but the relationship further deteriorated, especially after Prince Harry and Meghan’s Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021 and the subsequent release of his memoir, which criticized Prince William and Kate.
A former royal butler suggested it may be “too late” for reconciliation. “Relationships are reciprocal,” a source said, indicating that the responsibility for mending the relationship shouldn’t fall solely on Harry and Meghan.
However, there is a glimmer of hope that recent health concerns within the royal family might provide an opportunity for reconciliation. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams suggested that such serious issues can alter perspectives and potentially lead to mended relationships. He noted that a public message of support from the Sussexes could act as a peace offering.
As the royal family deals with these difficult times, the world is watching to see if the Sussexes’ overtures towards Kate will lead to a truce. Despite the complexities of the situation, the health concerns of the family members may offer a catalyst for healing past differences.
