William and Kate Prepared to ‘Go Into Hiding’ if Harry and Meghan Ever Visit the UK: Source
While the Sussexes may be eager to revisit their past life, the Waleses seem less than thrilled to welcome them back.
Even six years on, with no change of heart, Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly still holding a grudge against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. According to a source, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may allegedly be planning a UK visit with their children, riding high after their Australia trip. But if that were to happen, don't expect the Prince and Princess of Wales to bury the hatchet, as they will be keeping their distance and steering clear of the media storm that seems to follow the Sussexes at every turn.
Speaking to OK! magazine, the insider revealed that if Harry and Markle were to make a trip to the UK next July for the Invictus Games, William and Catherine would have no hesitation in distancing themselves completely. "They would much prefer to step out of the spotlight and literally go into hiding than risk being pulled into what they regard as avoidable tension and disruption." They added, "There is a genuine concern that even a short visit from the Sussexes is like bringing a circus to town and will rapidly snowball into an intense media storm, which is exactly what the Waleses are trying to steer clear of."
Against that backdrop, William and Middleton allegedly wish to protect their three children's privacy, rather than dragging them into a media firestorm. The source continued, "For them, the overriding priority is protecting a sense of normality for their children and shielding their immediate family from further scrutiny or fallout, rather than engaging with a situation they believe could quickly spiral." While rumor mills have swirled that King Charles could invite the Sussexes to stay in Sandringham, that will not alter the Waleses' alleged unforgiving stance on them, as a Palace aide clarified that the idea of reconciling with Harry and Markle is reportedly 'not on the table right now.'
Meanwhile, a friend of Harry previously said that the Duke would be open to visiting the UK if the royals invited him, noting that his security concerns would play a major role. If his concerns were taken into consideration, an insider stressed, "They [William and Middleton] are very mindful of how quickly tensions can resurface, and stepping back entirely if things begin to feel overwhelming is seen as a measured and practical response. Given how fragile the overall family dynamic remains, maintaining that distance from the Sussexes and the drama they inevitably bring with them is viewed as the best way to avoid escalating an already sensitive situation."
That being said, an insider also echoed to The Mirror that Harry is reportedly alluding to an invitation to Sandringham House, the King's private estate, this summer. It is also where William and Middleton have their home, Anmer Hall. They argued, "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."
