After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed details inside their time in the royal family, including claiming instances of racism and the palace refusing to help Meghan when she was in a mental health crisis, the queen released a statement that noted Harry and Meghan’s claims are being taken “seriously,” per Page Six, though she also said that “some recollections may vary.”
Prince Harry spoke about his strained relationship with his father, Prince Charles, and his brother, Prince William, in the interview, but it was what Meghan Markle had to say about Kate Middleton that may have been the last straw in the brothers’ feud.
The actor recounted a story in the British press that claimed she had made Kate cry in the days leading up to her wedding, but according to Meghan, “the reverse happened.” The detail reportedly made the Duchess of Cambridge “mortified” as Kate “has never wanted any suggestion of a rift with Meghan to come out in the press,” according to OK! Magazine, per Page Six. A royal expert told the magazine that Prince William is “beyond livid” with Prince Harry over the mention of Kate especially, as he is allegedly very protective over his wife.
For Prince William, painting Kate Middleton in a ‘negative light’ is ‘worse than being attacked himself’
To the benefit of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex did tell Oprah Winfrey in the two-hour tell-all that she didn’t bring up the Kate Middleton debacle to “be disparaging to anyone” and was adamant to point out that Kate “owned it, and she apologized and she brought [Meghan] flowers and a note apologizing,” as per Marie Claire.
Still, Prince William and Kate Middleton were “deeply distressed with Harry and Meghan’s decision to share private family conversations,” according to Entertainment Tonight. A source added that the Prince was “unhappy” that Kate specifically was brought up in the interview.
“William is very protective of Kate and can get very angry,” said “respected” royal expert Penny Junor to People. “For Meghan to name Kate in a negative light is worse than being attacked himself.”
Gayle King revealed that despite the anger, Prince Harry has spoken to his father and brother after the interview, but it may not have gone so well.
“Kate and William feel they were hugely welcoming to Meghan and Harry,” royals author Katie Nicholl told OK! Magazine, per Page Six. “Any accusations against the monarchy are accusations against their family. It’s hurtful and they feel let down. Obviously, they still love Harry and Meghan, but this interview has ruffled feathers.”