In the lead-up to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding in 2018, an incident involving Meghan and Kate Middleton began to draw attention. It was reported that Meghan was upset over an issue with Princess Charlotte’s flower girl dress, which many saw as one of the early sparks of a growing tension between the royal couples. The question that has lingered ever since is whether these rifts between Harry and Meghan, on one side, and William and Kate, on the other, can ever truly be healed.
Following Harry and Meghan’s move to the United States, rumors swirled about William and Kate’s possible ambitions to tap into what was dubbed the “US Royal Market.” Meghan was reportedly displeased by this, especially after Kate received recognition from Time magazine, further fueling the sense of discord.
Meghan’s Struggles and Initial Impressions
When Meghan first entered the royal fold, there were moments when it seemed as though she and Kate might build a supportive relationship. However, their bond was reportedly strained from the very beginning. Prince Harry, in his memoir Spare, described how William and Kate reacted to the news of Harry’s relationship with Meghan, especially considering Meghan’s background as a TV actress.
“When it’s all said and done, Harold, she’s an American actress; anything could happen,” William is said to have remarked. This initial skepticism perhaps set the stage for the difficult relationship that followed.
Missteps and Missed Mentorship
As Meghan adjusted to her new life as a royal, she looked to Kate for advice on how to navigate the duties and expectations that came with the title. Unfortunately, the mentorship Meghan had hoped for from Kate never fully materialized. Harry also recounted a particular awkward moment when Meghan, known for her warm greetings, tried to hug William, which made him uncomfortable. These missteps only seemed to widen the emotional distance between the two women and their families.
A Possible Reconciliation at Christmas?
Despite the strain, there’s still hope for reconciliation. Former royal butler Harrold shared his belief that Kate might reach out to Harry and Meghan during the Christmas season, potentially via a video call. Harrold emphasized that “Christmas is a time for healing and fresh beginnings” and suggested that Kate could use this opportunity to send a message of goodwill.
While this gesture might be a step toward mending the relationship, the underlying tensions may still take time to resolve, and a full reconciliation may remain elusive for now.
Professional and Personal Shifts
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are navigating shifts in their professional lives. Their partnership with Spotify recently ended, and despite producing documentaries for Netflix, it appears that the streaming service’s interest in the couple may be waning. Meghan’s new venture, a show centered around cooking, gardening, and entertainment, is set to debut on Netflix in early 2025. However, with their contract with the streaming giant set to expire at the end of 2025, it remains uncertain whether they will renew the deal.
Envy or Discontent? Kate’s Recognition
Kate’s recent nomination by Time magazine as one of the ‘Persons of the Year 2024’ has further fueled public attention and speculation. The magazine praised her efforts in sparking global discussions on privacy and public health concerns. While Donald Trump ultimately received the title, royal observers believe that Meghan might have felt a twinge of envy. Charlotte Griffiths, a royal expert, suggested on Palace Confidential that “Meghan would have loved to be recognized like that,” acknowledging the natural human tendency to feel a sense of envy in such situations.
The Future of Harry and Meghan’s Relationship with the Royal Family
As we reflect on the complex dynamics between Harry, Meghan, William, and Kate, the possibility of reconciliation remains uncertain. While there are occasional signs of goodwill, such as the potential for Kate to reach out at Christmas, deeper issues might take longer to heal. The royal family’s future interactions with Harry and Meghan may continue to be shaped by personal and professional ambitions, making any full resolution a long-term challenge. However, the hope for reconciliation still lingers among the public, who continue to watch this family drama unfold.
