Following two major health scares for members of their family in recent months, it had seemed that the end of the royal rift may be in sight – particularly after it was reported that Prince Harry was hoping to make amends with the family he left behind when he and wife Meghan Markle moved away from the UK in early 2020.
But Harry may have ruined any chance of a reconciliation with his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Kate Middleton. They reportedly think his recent claim that the UK is “dangerous” for Meghan and his children – Archie, five, and Lilibet, three – is just another “game” that he is playing with the press, and they’re saying enough is enough.
Harry said recently, "It’s still dangerous. All it takes is one lone person to act on what they have read, and whether it’s a knife or acid, whatever it is… these are things that are of genuine concern for me. It’s one of the reasons why I won’t bring my wife back to this country.”
Now, insiders say William is so concerned about the Sussexes causing undue stress for Kate as she continues treatment for cancer that they have put a ban on hearing anything about them as they switch off for their summer holiday – despite Meghan and Harry giving a new interview on US TV last week.
We’re told, “Kate and William have put a self-imposed ban on anything Meghan and Harry-related, as they take time out to enjoy some much-needed respite and family time this summer. Kate’s still very much focusing on her healing, and they decided to create a firm boundary to protect her from all the stress and upset Harry and Meghan create, which understandably has a negative impact on her physical health, as well as her mental health.
“William was sick and tired of seeing how triggered and anxious Kate would become every time Meghan and Harry would do or say something that negatively impacted them – no matter how subtle – and as soon as he suggested it, Kate agreed it was vital for them all.”
Although the royal family were no doubt breathing a sigh of relief that the Sussexes’ latest interview focused solely on their new project The Parents Network – which supports parents who have lost children, or whose children have been impacted by online harm – Meghan did open up about the suicidal thoughts she experienced as a working royal, which she first discussed during her infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. She hinted that she hasn’t even “scraped the surface” of what she experienced, leaving the royals worried that more bombshells could be around the corner.
Meghan said, “When you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey, certainly part of mine, is being able to be really open about it. And, you know, I haven’t really scraped the surface on my experience, but I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way. I would never want someone else to be making those sorts of plans, and I would never want someone else to not be believed. So, if me voicing what I have overcome will save someone or encourages someone in their life to genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good so everything’s OK, then that’s worth it. I’ll take a hit for that.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales are currently enjoying quality time with their three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – on their annual summer holiday to Balmoral, Scotland, where they have joined King Charles, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne. Balmoral Castle has 52 bedrooms and the estate contains a number of other buildings for family and friends to stay in across its 50,000 acres. William and his family typically stay at Tam-Na-Ghar, a cottage that was gifted to him by his great-grandmother the Queen Mother, before she passed away in 2002.
The entire royal family is usually welcome to the estate for the getaway, with Zara and Mike Tindall known to take their three children along to enjoy a holiday with their cousins. However, it’s believed Harry and Meghan purposely did not receive an invitation this year.
As the estate – which is where Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022 – is privately owned by the royals and is not property of the Crown, they are able to enjoy their trip away from the public eye and are known to take long walks and pony rides, and have picnics and barbecues on their annual summer jaunt. It’s also the perfect place for Kate to disconnect and put into practice the alternative treatments that she has been trying out alongside the chemotherapy.
A source says, “Kate’s really focusing on her mental and emotional health right now and having lots of alternative therapies, including acupuncture, reiki, reflexology and even hypnosis. She learnt about the power of hypnotherapy helping cancer patients to relax and cope during treatment, as well as helping with any pain, and it’s aided her massively.”
Cancer Research UK state that hypnotherapy, “might help some people feel more comfortable and in control of their situation”, and it is most used by cancer patients “for sickness or pain”. They add, “There is some evidence that hypnotherapy helps with these symptoms. It can also help with depression, anxiety and stress.”
The insider suggests that Kate has also made changes to her diet – and that she has some keen little helpers in the kitchen with her. “She’s made some diet changes over the last few months and has been growing her own fruit and veg, which she enjoys cooking with. Charlotte and Louis love mucking in, and they’ve created new family traditions such as sushi and curry nights, and even a family bake-off, which William and George got involved in.”
Kate has made only two public appearances since announcing her shock cancer diagnosis back in March – just one month after her father-in-law King Charles revealed his own health issues – delighting royal fans when she joined the rest of the family at Trooping the Colour in June, and receiving a standing ovation when she attended the Wimbledon men’s singles final last month, alongside daughter Charlotte.
And many believe that the Princess’ trip to Balmoral is a “very positive step” in her recovery, as it is thought to be the longest time she’s been away from home following her diagnosis. Although she is making a very slow return to public life, William is still worried she may be moving too fast or people could expect too much from her, and he’s desperate to shield her from any negativity that comments by Harry and Meghan could bring up.
Our source adds, “This is very much Kate’s summer to completely detach herself from anything that causes any mental upset, and the Meghan and Harry ban – coupled with long walks with William and spending quality time with the children – is all about only doing things that bring her true joy and inner peace as she continues to get back to full health.”