Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the royal family four years ago, and while some thought they would step out of the public eye, the reality was quite the opposite.
Their exit has remained a hot topic, as their outspoken comments about the monarchy have kept them in the spotlight and further strained their relationships with senior royals, including Kate Middleton.
In 2021, their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey kicked off their public criticism of the royal institution. Meghan revealed that King Charles had stopped taking Harry’s calls and claimed there had been discussions about “how dark” their son Archie’s skin might be.
But that was just the beginning. Through multiple interviews, their Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s memoir Spare, they continued to voice their frustrations, further widening the gap between them and the royal family.
One of the most talked-about tensions was between Meghan and Kate Middleton. In their Netflix series, Meghan recalled their first meeting as “uncomfortable,” emphasizing the cultural differences in formality.
Authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand noted that Meghan and Kate were never close, despite Meghan’s hopes for support.
Tensions escalated before Harry and Meghan’s wedding over a disagreement about flower girl dresses, leaving Meghan in tears. While Kate later apologized, Harry’s book revealed texts showing Kate’s concerns over Charlotte’s dress.
Harry’s memoir also criticized King Charles, Prince William, and Queen Camilla, accusing her of being manipulative. William, deeply hurt by Meghan and Harry’s treatment of Kate, has reportedly refused to reconcile.
After King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, Harry’s brief visit sparked reconciliation rumors, but William reportedly opposes his return to royal duties, and Camilla saw the visit as a publicity stunt.
A royal expert claims the fallout with Harry and Meghan has only strengthened ties between King Charles, Camilla, William, and Kate. Lady Colin Campbell dismissed Harry and Meghan’s return, calling it “poison from a chalice.”
She suggested Meghan doesn’t regret leaving but is frustrated by her struggles outside the royal family. For now, a reconciliation seems unlikely.