Recently, it was reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may consider returning to the UK permanently to resume royal duties after receiving King Charles' approval. However, this potential return seems to have met with resistance from an unexpected person – the Princess of Wales.
It is said that if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle move back to London, Kate Middleton is not excited about the prospect of them becoming neighbors again. While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle no longer own Frogmore House in Windsor as their base in the UK, they can live at Kensington Palace – they previously performed their duties on behalf of the royal family outside Kensington Palace until 2020, when they retired from senior royal jobs.
A source close to the royal family claimed that Kate feared that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be too close to them if they settled in London again. "Kate wasn't entirely happy with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's idea of moving back to Kensington Palace. She and Prince William still have their apartment there and a house in the country. The insider explained.
So they are also neighbors of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's family in London. It could be problematic for Meghan and Kate to be neighbors again. ”
The problems between the two duchesses are well documented, ranging from allegations of Meghan being bullied to rumours of feud between the two duchesses. Their lukewarm relationship was on full display during the infamous Commonwealth Day church service in 2020, which showed no interaction between the two couples.
Megxit's scars still seem to linger, and Kate worries that living so close again might uncover old wounds. "Kate thinks it's best to keep some space between them. The source added.
Interestingly, the Prince of Wales seems to be more open to repairing his relationship with his younger brother. "William does want to mend his relationship with Prince Harry. A source familiar with the matter revealed. "The idea is that they all have to put the past behind them and start over. ”
However, Kate's unease with the situation seems to hinder any reconciliation efforts. But with Kate very much against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returning to London, it was difficult for William to do so. The informant admitted.
A spokesman for the Prince and Princess of Wales declined to speak on private family matters. Representatives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also did not respond to requests for comments on their future plans and living arrangements.
Royal experts believe that Kate may play a significant role in hindering any progress between the two brothers. Royal biographer Angela Levine told The Sun, "I don't think Kate will forgive Meghan if she comes back." ”
She speculated: "I don't think she will let her near the children because Meghan is the one who has done so much harm to Prince Harry." Kate believes that Meghan abducted her husband from the royal family. ”
Levine's views seem to confirm the claims of people familiar with the matter that Kate remains wary of Meghan's influence and prefers to distance herself from her for the sake of family harmony under King Charles.
Some commentators have even speculated that Kate and William's move from Kensington Palace to their new official residence near Windsor, Adelaide Cottage, in 2022, may be motivated in part by a desire to distance themselves from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. While the proximity to the Queen at Windsor Castle was a major factor, the timing of the move coincided with strained family ties.
In any case, the distance did not quell the unease that they might be reunited on British soil. According to Richard Eden, diary editor of the Daily Mail, Kate is concerned that "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's turmoil will reappear" and that their presence will "cover up" her royal work with the future King William.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will ultimately decide to continue assisting King Charles as royals in the coming years. Much will depend on how their role in the streamlined new royal family continues to evolve and whether it is possible for both sides to reach a meaningful settlement given their differences.
For now, Kate is clearly adamantly opposed to living with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle again, and Prince William's reconciliation with his brother seems to be facing an uphill battle. The Princess of Wales' reluctance is likely to hinder a genuine peace between the once close brothers.
Only time will tell if the family will be able to put aside their differences and be reunited. But unless Kate changes her mind about Meghan, trying to mend the transatlantic relationship could get tricky as long as she's skeptical about achieving a co-living arrangement in London again.