Kate Middleton Is ‘Really, Really Upset’ About the Strained Relationship With Harry and Meghan

The reported estrangement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from the royal family remains a source of stress for Kate Middleton and Prince William, per a People insider.

After the Sussexes relocated to California, marking an unprecedented exit from being working members of the royal family, the Duchess of Cambridge has reportedly been “really, really upset about it all,” according to People. “Everything with Harry and Meghan has been hugely stressful, but if anything, it’s pulled [her and William] closer together. She was upset about it because [William] was so upset. Seeing her husband so distraught was tough.”

In March, Meghan and Harry gave a tell-all interview to Oprah Winfrey, revealing allegations of mistreatment and racism from the rest of the royal family. During the chat Markle expanded on rumors that she and Kate Middleton had a “feud.” Prince William did not respond favorably to the interview’s allegations, telling a Sky News reporter on March 11, “We are very much not a racist family,” according to People.

Markle doesn’t intend for the public to pick sides between herself and Middleton, though. As she told Winfrey, “If you love me, you don’t have to hate her. And if you love her, you don’t have to hate me.”

For months, reports have showed optimism about the Duchesses rekindling their relationship. An insider told Us Weekly in August that the Duchesses were closer than ever. perhaps even starting a Netflix collaboration on “a documentary that will spotlight Kate’s charity work and the huge impact she’s made with her philanthropy.” However, Omid Scobie, coauthor of Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family, called those reports “wishful thinking.” 

For now, we know the Duchess of Cambridge remains focused on quality time with her family, especially with the family Christmas card picture that was taken on a private vacation to Jordan.