Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton reportedly felt “blindsided” by the news of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle’s decision to downgrade from royal duties. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced the news that they would be stepping down as senior royal members.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan returned from their six-week Christmas break in Canada and announced that they would step back from senior royal duties to become financially independent of the Royal family on January 8th. Buckingham Palace released a statement saying that Prince Harry and Meghan plan to split their time between the United Kingdom and North America. The royal couple also made sure to mention that they would continue to fully support the Queen. As Royal watchers know, it’s been a struggle for Meghan to adjust to life under the microscope that is the British media, it seems this little family has decided to take their happiness more seriously.
After announcing to the world that they would be stepping down from their roles as senior royal members, it seems that they didn’t bother to give Harry’s brother, Prince William and his wife, Kate a heads up about the huge change. According to a source close to the royal family (via Us Weekly), “William was blindsided by Harry and Meghan’s decision and statement.” The 35-year-old prince and the 38-year-old duchess revealed that they would be moving in a different direction within the royal infrastructure. This apparently took the whole royal family by surprise.
The two princes, who were once thick as thieves, are now apparently drifting further and further apart. The reports of their relationship becoming strained happened back in 2018, which followed Harry and Meghan’s move to Windsor, England. The royal insider revealed on January 8th, “There’s still a rift between the two brothers.” The source explained, “It’s sad because when they were younger, William would be the first person Harry would go to with big news like this.” The insider explains that William is “incredibly hurt” by the blindside, but revealed that “he has his own family to focus on and is trying to move forward with his life.” Though it seems that William and Kate weren’t the only royals who were blindsided, according to the source, “The other royals didn’t know of the statement. This really is extraordinary. It’s totally irresponsible.”
It seems that Prince Harry and Duchess Megan’s decision to move in a different direction within the Royal family was a shock to everyone involved. Unfortunately, it seems that this blindside has only caused more friction between the two brothers.
Next: Prince Harry & Prince William’s Complicated Relationship, Explained
Source: Us
