In an unfolding drama that underscores deep fissures within the British Royal Family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were reportedly kept uninformed about Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis, learning of it through media like the public, sources claim.
According to these reports, it is believed that Prince Harry became aware of his sister-in-law's diagnosis through television news, underscoring the communication rift within the family. An anonymous royal insider suggested to Woman's Day Australia that the tension between the families would temporarily be sidelined as the Princess Kate focuses on her recovery.
In light of Princess Kate's health, Prince William is said to have tightened the circle around his wife, ensuring she is surrounded by a trusted team to manage her interactions during her treatment. This move reportedly includes efforts to prevent any direct communication from Prince Harry, aiming to shield Kate from additional stress during her recovery.
Prior to the announcement of the Princess Kate's illness, Harry, 39, had expressed hopes of visiting the duchess in the coming months. However, insiders now believe such a visit is unlikely, given the circumstances and Prince William's protective stance regarding his wife's well-being.
Richard Fitzwilliams, a respected royal commentator, echoed sentiments of a significant breach within the royal family, attributing it to ongoing issues caused by the Sussexes over several years. Fitzwilliams highlighted the lack of communication between the brothers, underscoring a deep-seated rift that has left Prince Harry and Meghan somewhat isolated from family affairs.
Further exacerbating tensions, sources close to Prince Harry and Meghan described the couple as "livid" for being the last to learn of Kate's serious health issue. The situation has reportedly caused distress within their Montecito household, uniting the couple in their frustration towards the royal establishment's handling of the situation.
As the royal family navigates this challenging period, it remains unclear whether Prince Harry will have the opportunity to visit his father or sister-in-law in the foreseeable future. The unfolding events underscore the complex dynamics at play within the British Royal Family, reflecting deep-rooted issues that extend beyond the immediate health concerns of the Princess Kate.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly as informed about Kate Middleton's health as the general public, reflecting the ongoing distance between the couples amid familial tensions, according to People. Sources close to the family have stated, “They are aware of everything that goes on back in England but are being left out of any details regarding Kate,” highlighting a significant trust gap.
This estrangement was further underscored when Prince Harry did not meet with Prince William and Kate during a visit to the UK in February, where he visited his father, King Charles, following the latter's cancer diagnosis announcement.
Amidst these tensions, representatives for Harry and Meghan publicly refuted claims made by an insider to Page Six, which criticized the handling of a modified Mother's Day photo by Kensington Palace, suggesting a double standard in treatment between the Sussexes and the Cambridges.
The disputed photo, which had been altered by the Palace and later retracted, became a point of contention, with the insider alleging that Meghan and Harry would have faced harsher scrutiny under similar circumstances. Meghan and Harry's spokesperson clarified to Newsweek, “With respect to Page Six, that did not come from us,” dismissing the speculation.
The relationship between the two couples has been notably strained following the release of Harry and Meghan's Netflix docuseries and Harry’s memoir, "Spare." Omid Scobie, author of "Endgame," expressed to ELLE skepticism about any near reconciliation between the pairs, citing a lack of accountability and dialogue as major barriers. Scobie's insights suggest a deep-seated divide, emphasizing that the onus for any reconciliation lies with the royal family, which appears unlikely to engage.
Regarding Kate's health, public information remains scant, limited to a statement from Kensington Palace after her abdominal surgery in January. The Palace indicated Kate's expected return to public duties post-Easter, following a recovery period. The statement conveyed Kate's desire for privacy and normalcy for her family during her recuperation, promising updates only when significant developments occur. It also included an apology from Kate for the postponement of her engagements, expressing her eagerness to resume her duties as soon as possible.
Recent public skepticism arose from a long-distance video capturing Kate in Windsor, with some questioning the authenticity of her appearance in the footage. This skepticism reflects the heightened public interest and speculation surrounding the Princess of Wales's health and public appearances, amid the broader context of royal family dynamics.
