Princess Catherine has a key role to play now that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to the UK, according to royal commentator and former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond. Speaking to OK! Magazine, Bond said the Princess of Wales will act as the "voice of reason" and encourage Prince William to "face forward" and not be distracted by his estranged brother's activities.
Since Harry and Meghan arrived back in the UK, speculation has grown that they are setting up a "rival court" against the royals. Their visit to Nottingham last week, conducted in a royal-style fashion during a public walkabout and charity visits, led many commentators to believe a rival court was beginning, despite the couple being non-working royals.
Kate's Role as William's Anchor
Bond said: "I'm sure she will be annoyed if her work is overshadowed by something Harry and Meghan are doing, but she won't let it distract her. She will be the voice of reason, and I think she will encourage William to face forward, get on with his job and not be bugged by their activities."
She added: "As she has said, cancer gives you a new perspective, and she probably feels life is too short for grudges. It may look like a rival court, but it seems the Sussexes are here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future."
No Plans to Meet
Prince William and Princess Catherine have not commented on Harry and Meghan's return, and it is believed they have no plans to see them anytime soon. The couples have not spoken for years, with Harry's memoir Spare in 2023 believed to be the final straw for William. While they have occasionally been in the same room since, it has been claimed the brothers did not speak.
King Charles, however, has made a statement since the Sussexes' return in the form of a letter, clarifying that Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals, a title they reportedly "hate". The letter, sent on behalf of the King to Harry's team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants, made clear they are not returning to royal duty, which they quit in 2020.
Royal Titles and Private Citizens
The letter also stressed that their UK return does not change the fact they cannot use their titles of "His and Her Royal Highness" and that they remain "private citizens", meaning any work they do does not represent the Royal Family. The Sussexes' team said at the time that the couple were "surprised" by the letter.
While the King is believed to be on talking terms with his youngest son, it is said he has yet to see him since his return. The monarch and Queen Camilla last saw Harry and Meghan, alongside their two children, in July at Highgrove House, over a month before the Sussex family relocated back to the UK from America in August.
