The Princess of Wales privately believed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were "not to be trusted" following their interview with Oprah Winfrey, according to a royal biography. The revelation comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex return to the UK, moving into a private non-royal residence and enrolling their children, Archie and Lilibet, in British schools.
The couple left the royal family and the UK in 2020, settling in Montecito, California, in what was described as a 'flight to freedom'. They achieved financial independence after stepping back from their roles as senior working royals and gave several high-profile interviews, notably with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey, during which they made a series of bombshell allegations about their time in the UK. Prince Harry also released his memoir, Spare, which he characterised as a tell-all account of his experiences within the royal family.
Royal reaction to the Sussexes' return
Harry and Meghan's intentions were disclosed last week when it emerged that King Charles and Prince William had both been informed simultaneously about the couple's planned return to the UK, reports the Daily Star. Since then, royal sources have revealed the Prince of Wales is "completely united" with the King in refusing to allow Harry and Meghan to achieve a 'half in, half out' role within the monarchy.
Close friends of both William and the Princess of Wales have indicated that while they "cannot forgive" the Sussexes for their damaging accusations against the Firm, they remain resolute in their desire to "look forward to the future". Prince Harry will not be resuming his former royal duties, but it has been suggested he will press on with repairing his relationship with his father, the King, whom he has spent time with during visits to London. The Duke is not thought to have spent any time with his brother, the Prince of Wales, or his sister-in-law, Catherine.
Kate's evolving view of the Sussexes
Catherine was once considered the "voice of reason" between the brothers as their relationship deteriorated, and eventually felt she "could do no more to bring the brothers together". The Princess of Wales is said to have believed her brother-in-law would desire more than being a "bit-part player" in the monarchy amid his deep-rooted differences with her husband.
The biography William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, by The Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers, reveals how Kate came to believe Harry and Meghan "had an agenda" with their conduct going beyond simply being "difficult". The future queen, who was more than willing to give Meghan a chance when she joined the Royal Family, also considered Prince Harry's departure from his role within the Royal Family as "inevitable".
