Prince William and Kate Middleton have made their first joint public appearance since the summer, marking World Suicide Prevention Day at Everton's home ground in Liverpool. The engagement is their first together since Harry and Meghan returned to the UK, and royal expert Duncan Larcombe has described it as a deliberate show of strength.
Expert sees message in timing
Larcombe noted that the visit attracted attention for several reasons, not least because Kate joined her husband on what was expected to be a solo outing. He claimed the engagement was "the regal equivalent of flexing their combined muscles in a show of solidarity that sent a message to the Sussexes."
He continued: "William and Kate clearly want to ensure they take centre stage as they brace for Harry and Meghan to make their next move." The expert added that Kate was "throwing down the gauntlet to her brother- and sister-in-law" as the couple were determined to make a statement.
Upcoming overseas trip
Kate is also expected to join Prince William in Mumbai in November for The Earthshot Prize ceremony, their first overseas official engagement in four years. Larcombe suggested this trip is another part of the Windsors' "strategy" to signal their strength to the Sussexes.
The couples, once known as the "fantastic four," have been in a public feud for several years, worsening since Harry and Meghan stepped down as royals and made claims against William and Kate in the media. With the Sussexes now back in the UK, speculation has grown about a possible reunion, as it is thought Harry and William will have no choice but to be in one another's company.
Facing the challenge head-on
Larcombe claimed the joint engagements are sending a message before they are all reconvened, with the couple meeting "the challenge posed by Harry and Meghan head-on."
