Kate Middleton's True Feelings on Meghan and Harry Laid Bare After Years of Silence
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not held back in sharing their version of events, but a new biography now reveals how the Princess of Wales navigated the tumultuous fallout. Royal insiders have disclosed the behind-the-scenes dynamics before Megxit, highlighting why a telling hunch about the duchess soon proved accurate.
The Rise and Fall of the 'Fab Four'
In February 2018, royal fans were filled with excitement as Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle appeared together on stage to announce Meghan as a new patron of the Royal Foundation. This moment sparked media buzz, dubbing them the "Fab Four" and suggesting a promising future for the monarchy. However, this would mark their only official charity engagement as a group. The union was short-lived, with Harry and Meghan quitting royal life less than two years later and launching public criticisms against the family.
Today, the Sussexes remain effectively estranged from the rest of the royals, a sad turn given Princess Kate once shared a close sisterly bond with Harry. According to the revealing new biography, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story by Russell Myers, Kate quickly grew wary of her future sister-in-law.
Kate's Initial Impressions and Meghan's 'Jarring' Introduction
Recollections of Kate and Meghan's first meeting vary significantly. In Harry and Meghan's engagement interview, Harry described Kate as "wonderful," but in their Netflix series, Meghan called the encounter "jarring," noting cultural clashes over informality versus formality. Harry's memoir, Spare, added that Meghan cooked dinner and they discussed topics like Wimbledon, with only a minor note on their differing attire.
Myers writes that Kate approached the meeting with caution, finding Meghan friendly but noting a "touch of California" about her. This early observation hinted at the underlying tensions that would later escalate.
Kate's Verdict: Sussexes 'Not to Be Trusted'
As relations deteriorated, Kate showed less interest than William in preventing Harry and Meghan's departure, believing it was "inevitable." Despite initially acting as a "voice of reason," she eventually concluded she could do no more to reconcile the brothers. After the controversial Oprah Winfrey interview, Kate firmly believed the Sussexes were "not to be trusted."
A source told Myers, "Catherine had empathy for Meghan at the start and helped her integrate, but Meghan dismissed her efforts, causing hurt. Kate advised caution in any future engagements, seeing them as untrustworthy."
The Disagreement That Sparked an 'Ugly' Feud
A major factor in the falling out was a dispute over royal protection. Harry demanded security for Meghan when she faced online abuse due to her biracial heritage, but royal aides said they couldn't act until after marriage. Harry was angered, noting that Kate had received protection as William's girlfriend and fiancée, feeling it was "one rule for him and another for me."
When Prince Charles and William refused to intervene, citing taxpayer costs, it ignited a long-running and "ugly" feud, exacerbating the rift between the brothers.
William's Grief Over Harry's 'Paranoid' Shift
During a 2019 royal tour to Southern Africa, Harry and Meghan's documentary with ITV revealed their struggles and Harry's admission that he and William were on "different paths." Myers notes this cemented William's view that Harry had become "paranoid," despite attempts to support him.
A source close to William said, "He felt he lost his brother to paranoia and anger, rooted in the past. Initially, William found Meghan refreshing and wanted the best for Harry, but the dynamics shifted dramatically."
Extracted from WILLIAM AND CATHERINE by RUSSELL MYERS, published by Ebury Spotlight on 26th February at £22. Copyright © Russell Myers 2025.
