Prince William and Kate Middleton Unlikely to Meet Harry and Meghan During UK Visit
The rift between Harry and Meghan, and William and Kate, began when the Sussexes stepped down.
The strained relationship between the royal family and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex isn't showing any signs of easing. For instance, recent reports have suggested that King Charles may choose not to meet the royal couple and their kids if they visit Sandringham this summer. But it’s not just the monarch—Prince William and Kate Middleton have also had a strained and turbulent relationship with the Sussexes for several years, and as per reports, they don't have any plans to meet Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their alleged return to the UK in the coming months.
As per the official records, Meghan has not returned to the UK since September 2022, when she and Harry attended the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have also stayed away from the royal spotlight as they last visited their home country during the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. However, sources close to Harry now suggest that he would be open to an invitation to Sandringham House—the King’s private estate this summer. It is also where the Prince and Princess of Wales have their home, Anmer Hall, as reported by The Mirror.
But this probably wouldn't change the situation between them, as a source close to William and Kate said, “If the King were to invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to stay with him, that is a matter for His Majesty alone. The Prince and Princess of Wales’s position has not changed, and they would not make arrangements to see them outside of them potentially attending an official public engagement.” The rift between the couples reportedly began when Harry and Meghan decided to step down from their royal duties in 2018, as reported by Business Insider.
Back then, an unnamed royal source had claimed, "Kate and Meghan are very different people, and they don't have a lot in common, but they have made an effort to get along. Any issues are between the brothers." To this, another source added, "Harry felt William wasn't rolling out the red carpet for Meghan and told him so. They had a bit of a fall out, which was only resolved when [Prince] Charles stepped in and asked William to make an effort." This was probably one of the main reasons for the fractured image of the royal family.
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are currently set to visit Australia next month for a semi-official tour. According to the data, this visit will combine charitable work and some commercial engagements across Sydney and Melbourne. One of the key highlights will be when Meghan takes part in a major women-only event. While many royal fans are excited to meet their favorite royals, there's a petition nearing 40,000 signatures that calls for no public funds to be spent on security or to support the couple’s upcoming visit.
