The relationship between Prince William, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Catherine, Princess of Wales (formerly Kate Middleton) has been the subject of public interest for years. From shared royal engagements to eventual geographic and personal separation, the dynamic between the two couples has evolved significantly. While some sources have pointed to periods of formal communication or mutual acknowledgment, there is no verified indication of a complete reconciliation.
This article presents a timeline of events and verified interactions between the two royal couples, based on reliable and official sources, including statements from the Royal Household, established British news outlets such as BBC News, The Guardian, and Reuters, and directly published royal statements.
Early Relationship: A United Royal Front
Following the engagement of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle in 2017, public appearances involving both couples—often dubbed the “Fab Four”—became frequent. In February 2018, the foursome appeared together at the Royal Foundation Forum, emphasizing joint initiatives in mental health and youth empowerment (source: BBC).
At the time, the media reported strong public interest in the collaboration between Prince William, Prince Harry, and their respective spouses. Their united front appeared promising, especially for royal engagements focusing on charitable causes.
Diverging Paths: The Sussex Departure
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from senior royal duties, a move that would later be referred to as “Megxit.” The couple relocated to the United States and outlined their intent to become financially independent while continuing to support the Queen (source: Royal.uk).
Following their departure, relations between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and other senior royals, including Prince William and Princess Catherine, became less publicly visible. The couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021 revealed tensions within the royal family, although specific grievances and interpretations of events varied among media outlets and the public (source: CBS News).
Public Appearances and Communications
Despite rumors of estrangement, public acknowledgments and formal communication between the couples have occurred during key events. For example:
- In April 2021, Prince William and Prince Harry walked side-by-side during the funeral procession for their grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, though no public statements indicated a personal reconciliation at that time (source: The Guardian).
- In September 2022, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, both couples appeared together to greet mourners outside Windsor Castle, a move interpreted by many as a sign of unity and respect during a time of national mourning (source: BBC News).
These moments have been described by official sources and respected media as symbolic gestures of respect rather than indications of a full personal reconciliation.
Princess Catherine’s Health and Public Responses
In March 2024, Catherine, Princess of Wales, publicly disclosed her cancer diagnosis through a video released by Kensington Palace. In the message, she thanked the public for their support and emphasized her ongoing treatment and desire for privacy as she recovered (source: Royal.uk).
Following the announcement, multiple global leaders and public figures extended their well wishes. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also issued a public statement, which read: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” as reported by BBC. This was seen as a formal and respectful gesture amid previous tensions.
No official sources have reported any further private conversations, reunions, or interactions beyond this statement. The nature of the relationship between Meghan Markle and Catherine remains unclear, and speculation on the personal dynamics between the couples is not supported by verifiable public data.
Prince Harry’s Memoir and Public Commentary
In January 2023, Prince Harry released his memoir titled “Spare”, which included personal reflections on his experiences growing up within the royal family. The book discussed various royal relationships, including his perspective on the changing dynamic between him and Prince William. Some media outlets reported that the book strained familial ties, though the Royal Family maintained their tradition of refraining from public comment on personal family matters (source: Reuters).
Despite these revelations, there has been no official confirmation of personal meetings between Prince William and Prince Harry since then. Most engagements involving both brothers have been limited to major ceremonial events.
Physical Distance and Rare Contact
Since moving to the United States, Harry and Meghan have only returned to the UK for select high-profile events, including Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The couple’s attendance at royal functions remains limited, and the Prince and Princess of Wales have not visited California as of the time of writing (source: Sky News).
The Royal Household has not indicated any scheduled reunions between the couples. While public interest in their relationship continues, it is essential to rely on documented events rather than speculation.
Conclusion: Formality Over Familiarity
While Prince William, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have shared periods of joint engagement, their paths have significantly diverged in recent years. The Sussexes’ move to the United States, combined with Prince Harry’s memoir and other public disclosures, appears to have deepened the divide.
However, all public communications between the couples have remained respectful, especially during moments of personal or national significance. As of now, no official confirmation of personal reconciliation has been made, and future interactions remain uncertain.
Sources:
- BBC News – Royal Family Coverage
- Official Royal Website – Royal.uk
- Reuters – UK News
- The Guardian – UK Royal Family
- Sky News – Royals
- CBS News – Harry & Meghan Interview Transcript
