Prince William and Kate Middleton are being criticized by royal fans for seemingly ignoring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Commonwealth Day service in Westminster Abbey last March 9. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge apparently had an icy reception for their brother and sister-in-law.
According to People, the brief interaction between Prince William and the Sussexes appeared to be awkward and uncomfortable. Worse, Kate seemed to have ignored Prince Harry and Meghan and she didn't have a happy expression on her face. There was no interaction between the dukes and their wives even as they were seated near each other.
Royal fans commented on social media that the highly anticipated reunion looked painful to watch. Some said that Prince William and Kate were so rude to Prince Harry and Meghan.
Other royal fans also expressed sadness that the royal brothers, who used to be super close, didn't greet each other enthusiastically. In contrast, Prince Harry and Meghan had a better interaction with Prince Edward and Sophie, who were directly seating next to them.
Body language expert Blanca Cobb said that the lackluster reunion confirmed the rift between the two brothers and their wives. Cobb said that even though Commonwealth Day is a formal occasion, the least Kate could do was to smile or wave at Prince Harry and Meghan.
However, according to Daily Express, Kate did acknowledge the Sussexes, smiled at her sister-in-law and called her by her name. Prince William, on the other hand, said a happy "Hello, hello" to his brother and Meghan, and even smiled back at them when they greeted the second in line to the throne. Only, these were not visible to the public as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had their backs facing the TV.
Royal correspondent Richard Palmer wrote that it was Prince Harry and Meghan who had awkward smiles and tensed faces. Meghan was specifically rigid during the event. Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate apparently didn't have any signs of tension.
At the last minute, plans were changed for Commonwealth Day as neither the Cambridges nor the Sussexes walked with Queen Elizabeth towards Westminster Abbey. Last year, the royal pairs, dubbed the Fab Four, were towing after the Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
According to reports, the dukes and duchess were led to their seats instead of waiting for the Queen to join her in the procession. Queen Elizabeth arrived after Prince Charles and Camilla walked to Abbey's entrance. Buckingham and Kensington Palace didn't explain the change in the program.
