The Princess of Wales is said to have believed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were "not to be trusted" following their interview with Oprah Winfrey, according to a new biography.
Kate, who initially welcomed Meghan into the royal family, came to this view after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and relocated to Montecito, California, in what they called a 'flight to freedom'.
The couple became financially independent and took part in several high-profile interviews, including with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey, where they made a number of startling claims about their time in the UK. Prince Harry also published his memoir, Spare, which he described as a tell-all account of his time within the royal family.
Return to the UK
Harry and Meghan have now returned to the UK, moving into a private non-royal home and enrolling their two children, Archie and Lilibet, in British schools. Their plans were revealed last week, with King Charles and Prince William both reportedly told at the same time about the couple's move.
Royal sources have said the Prince of Wales is "completely united" with the King in not allowing Harry and Meghan to achieve a 'half in, half out' role within the monarchy. Friends of William and Kate have said that while they "cannot forgive" the Sussexes for their hurtful accusations, they are determined to "look forward to the future".
Kate's role as 'voice of reason'
Kate was once described as the "voice of reason" between the brothers as their relationship fell apart, and eventually felt she "could do no more to bring the brothers together". The Princess of Wales is said to have felt her brother-in-law would want more than being a "bit-part player" in the monarchy amid his fundamental differences with her husband.
The biography William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, by The Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers, explains how Kate came to believe the Sussexes "had an agenda" with their behaviour, more than just being "difficult". She also felt Prince Harry stepping down from his role within the royal family was "inevitable".
While Prince Harry will not be picking up his former royal duties, it has been suggested he will continue working to mend his relationship with his father, the King, whom he has spent time with during visits to London. The Duke is not believed to have spent any time with his brother, the Prince of Wales, or his sister-in-law, Kate.
