As the British royal family grapples with the cancer diagnoses of King Charles III and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, speculation has arisen about a potential reconciliation between Prince William, Kate, and the estranged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Grant Harrold, the former royal butler, believes that the current health crises could lead to a mending of the yearslong rift between the two couples.
"A reconciliation with Harry and Meghan is totally possible, 100 percent," Harrold exclusively told The New York Post. "I can believe, without any doubt, that Harry will be in touch with Kate and William and offering his help - whether they accept it or not is a very different matter, but I honestly believe Harry would have reached out personally and Meghan."
Harrold's comments come in the wake of the Princess of Wales's shocking announcement on Friday, March 22, that she had undergone major abdominal surgery in January and was subsequently diagnosed with cancer. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kate thanked the public for their support and understanding, stating, "This of course comes as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this for our young family."
Shortly after Kate shared her cancer news, the Sussexes released a supportive message, saying, "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace." It is understood that Harry and Meghan, who quit royal life in 2020 and moved to Montecito, California, made contact with the Prince and Princess of Wales "privately" following Middleton's announcement.
Royal commentator and historian Richard Fitzwilliams echoed Harrold's sentiment, suggesting that the current situation could provide the "perfect opportunity" to mend the royal rift. "This is a dread situation, a major operation followed by cancer," he said. "There is always sometimes in the most awful and serious thing sometimes opportunities come as well . . . one must hope there is as much positivity as possible that's what she is spreading with the message like that."
Fitzwilliams also noted that this could be an opportunity to silence "the trolls and the evil people spreading malicious rumors" about the royal family.
Despite the Sussexes' apparent willingness to offer support, sources told The New York Post that the Waleses made a conscious effort to keep them out of the loop regarding the health woes. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be hoping for a temporary return to the UK's royal fold, but only "on their own terms."
In February, it was reported that King Charles III had been considering having Harry back on a temporary basis, despite the Duke being kept at arm's length from ongoing succession talks. However, Prince William was reportedly "blocking" Harry's return to the royal fold in a desperate bid to protect his ailing wife.
As the royal family navigates these challenging times, the question of whether a reconciliation between the two couples will occur remains unanswered. Harrold believes that the gravity of the situation could bring the family together, stating, "Sadly, it's times like this that brings families together and blood is thicker than water."
The potential healing of the royal rift could provide a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing health struggles faced by King Charles III and Kate Middleton. As the Princess of Wales focuses on her recovery and the well-being of her young family, the support and love from all members of the royal family, including the estranged Sussexes, may prove invaluable during this difficult period.
