Princess Kate and Prince Harry's once close bond may be beyond repair, according to royal expert Christopher Anderson, who claims that the Princess of Wales wants "nothing to do" with her brother-in-law amid her recovery from abdominal surgery.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Anderson, the best-selling author of books including "The King: The Life of Charles III" and "William and Kate: A Royal Love Story," sheds light on the strained relationship between the royal siblings-in-law.
"I think there was once a relationship, a friendship, a very close one between Harry and Kate," Anderson told Us Weekly. "I'm sure he's concerned about her as well, but I know that she wants to have nothing to do with them."
Kensington Palace announced in January that Kate, 42, had undergone a "planned" abdominal surgery and would be "unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter." Despite a later statement confirming that she had "returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery," speculation about her well-being and whereabouts persisted. Kate was spotted for the first time since the surgery on Monday, March 4, in photos obtained by TMZ, sitting in the passenger seat of a car alongside her mother, Carole Middleton.
When asked whether Prince Harry, 38, had reached out to Kate during her recovery, Anderson expressed doubt. "My understanding is he hasn't, and it is a stalemate," he said. "They're both on opposite sides of this wall and nobody has the courage to leap over it and really make an honest attempt."
Anderson also claimed that Harry hasn't received the warmest welcome during his recent visits to the UK. "Every time he's gone there, he's been given the cold shoulder and he's aware of that," the royal expert said. "I think he fears it'll just be the same situation all over."
The strained relationship between Kate and Harry is reportedly a reflection of the broader rift within the royal family, stemming from Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back from their roles as senior royals and their subsequent tell-all interviews and Netflix docuseries. Anderson stated that Kate "feels betrayed" in the same way that Prince William, 41, and King Charles III do by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, adding, "That hasn't changed."
A source previously told Us Weekly that Kate and William were "disappointed" by Harry and Meghan's public revelations about their experiences within the royal family. "William isn't planning to give his side of the story or openly retaliate," the insider said. "He's remaining dignified and is getting on with the job. Kate feels hurt and betrayed that Harry would do this to her too, especially as the pair used to be so close."
As Kate continues her recovery, the lack of communication from Prince Harry has not gone unnoticed by royal observers. Another insider told People that there is "radio silence" surrounding Kate's health at Kensington Palace, where she is resting. The Princess of Wales is expected to return to her public duties after Easter.
In response to the growing public concern about Kate's well-being, Prince William's representative issued a statement to People on Wednesday, stating, "His focus is on his work and not on social media."
The ongoing tensions between the royal siblings-in-law serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the British royal family in navigating personal relationships and public expectations. As Kate continues her recovery and the royal family moves forward, the future of her relationship with Prince Harry remains uncertain, with both sides seemingly unwilling to take the first step toward reconciliation.
