The rift between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton seems unlikely to heal, even as the Princess of Wales battles cancer and the royal family faces ongoing challenges. According to a source close to the situation, while Middleton is determined to remain civil, she and Markle will "never be on warm terms" following the fallout from the Sussexes' departure from royal duties in 2020.
"She could reach out to Prince Harry in an attempt to make peace in the family," the source said of the 42-year-old Middleton, adding that "it's exactly how Elizabeth handled things. There's no place for petty behavior or personal grudges when you reach that level, because you're literally representing the institution."
The source's comments come as King Charles, who is also dealing with his own health issues, hopes for Middleton's swift recovery, recognizing her importance to the monarchy. "Charles realizes that the public's support has started to wane since his mother died," the source said. "He also knows how much everyone loves Kate. The future of the monarchy depends on her."
The strained relationship between Middleton and Markle, 42, has been well-documented, with tensions reportedly reaching a boiling point over a bridesmaid's dress dispute, which Markle discussed in her explosive Oprah Winfrey interview. "And I don't say that to be disparaging to anyone because it was a really hard week of the wedding, and [Kate] was upset about something but she owned it and she apologized and she brought me flowers and a note apologizing when she did," Markle said, claiming Middleton was the one to make her cry over the ordeal.
Despite Middleton's health challenges, the rift between the two duchesses appears to be beyond repair. "William and Kate decided to cut them out of knowing anything that happened after," another source said of where the couple stands with Harry and Meghan after they left the royal family. "The trust is gone. William and Kate can't risk them leaking anything about her condition, which would make the situation even more stressful than it already is."
Even as Prince Harry prepares to visit the U.K. this month, Markle is reportedly wary of her husband reaching out to his brother and sister-in-law. "Meghan knows she is facing a losing battle when it comes to Harry reaching out to Kate and William to try and sort through their differences, but she thinks he's making a big mistake," a source told OK! U.K. "She obviously feels sympathy for Kate and what she's going through, but in her mind, it doesn't change things."
The source added that while Markle believes "Harry is being naïve and that he still can't trust William," she knows "deep down that Harry wants to fix the relationship and the Kate news has made him more determined to try and do it."
The impact of the Sussexes' departure and the ensuing drama has been significant for Prince William and Kate Middleton, stirring deep emotions and causing them to reach a breaking point. A friend, who used to be close with both brothers but has not had contact with Harry since he left the U.K., brushed off suggestions that Harry's well-wishes signaled a breakthrough in relations. "William and Kate have accepted it and moved on," the friend told The Daily Beast.
As Middleton focuses on her recovery from illness and major surgery, she has chosen not to invest her energy in the ongoing drama involving the Sussexes. The Prince and Princess of Wales have reached a point of no return in their relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, viewing Harry as a distant figure who has chosen to sell their story for personal gain.
