Kate Middleton is quietly working behind the scenes to mend the long-standing rift between Prince William and Prince Harry, as speculation mounts over the state of Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle, according to sources familiar with the royal family dynamics.
The Princess of Wales, 43, is said to be urging her husband to consider softening his position toward his estranged brother, five years after Harry and Meghan's exit from royal duties and their move to California. Middleton's efforts come amid persistent reports that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's seven-year marriage is facing difficulties.
"It's been five years since Harry and Meghan stormed out of the UK. So much has changed, yet some things feel frozen in time," a source told RadarOnline.com. "Kate, who always prioritizes family, is still clinging to the hope that healing can happen, especially with Harry. She's not oblivious to the issues at play, but she's determined to keep fighting for a resolution."
Middleton's initiative follows years of escalating tensions between the royal brothers. Their relationship deteriorated after Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. The couple subsequently made public allegations of mistreatment by the royal family in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey, a Netflix documentary series, and Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare. In the memoir, Harry revealed personal family conflicts, including a claim that William physically assaulted him during a confrontation over Meghan.
"Kate once thought a little distance would help William and Harry, but it seems to have done the opposite," the source added. "While she's not pressuring William, she's subtly nudging him to consider softening his stance towards Harry, hoping he'll keep an open heart."
Despite Middleton's efforts, William, 42, reportedly remains cautious toward both Harry and Meghan. "William remains wary of Harry and Meghan, making progress slow," the insider said.
Middleton is also mindful of the broader implications of the ongoing family divide, particularly as she and William prepare to ascend to the throne following King Charles III. "Kate is focused on modeling the importance of family unity for their kids - and before she and William are crowned after King Charles' inevitable upcoming death," the source said.
The urgency behind Middleton's push is reportedly fueled by increasing scrutiny of Harry and Meghan's marriage. Speculation about the couple's relationship intensified following reports that Markle's team met with publishers to discuss a potential memoir centered on her life "post-divorce."
RadarOnline.com recently reported that Markle's representatives gauged interest in a book focusing on her hypothetical split from Harry, rather than revisiting her first marriage to Trevor Engelson, which ended in 2014.
"There is clearly a lot of hurt to work through and bury but there is also a lot of love going back years," the source noted. "Kate thinks that is worth fighting for. Especially as his marriage to Meghan is under scrutiny at the moment. If things go downhill in that department he's gonna need his brother more than ever."
