Prince William and Kate Middleton are adopting a strategy of deliberate detachment from the perceived "noise" surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have recently returned to the United Kingdom. According to royal experts, the Prince and Princess of Wales are prioritizing their own royal duties and initiatives, choosing to disregard the activities and public presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, told People that William and Middleton aim to avoid being "distracted" by matters related to the Sussexes. Royal historian Amanda Foreman, however, suggested that this approach of avoiding Harry and Markle's perceived drama "will be incredibly draining" for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Despite the potential emotional toll, royal author Simon Vigar stated that William and Middleton's method is to "keep calm and carry on." This aligns with a unified front between William and his father, King Charles III, who are reportedly in agreement that the Sussexes should not represent the royal family in any official capacity.
Russell Myers, author of "William and Catherine: Inside the Royal Family's Secret Struggle for Survival," confirmed that King Charles has communicated his stance, even sending a letter clarifying that Harry and Markle are now considered "private citizens" and will not undertake official royal engagements. Myers indicated that while William respects his father's right to maintain a personal relationship with his brother and sister-in-law, William himself intends to have "no relationship with them, in a working or private capacity whatsoever" moving forward.
A palace source commented that the past friction between the two couples "was very hard" on William and Middleton, suggesting William's caution is understandable. This sentiment is echoed by Anderson, who noted that the children of William and Middleton—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will not have a relationship with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in the near future. "The trust has broken down," Anderson stated, adding that while reconciliation is a hope, "that's not happening anytime soon."
The estrangement between the Waleses and the Sussexes has been ongoing since Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals and relocated to California six years ago. Despite the family's complex dynamics, Harry and Meghan recently returned to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for an extended stay. The couple's children were reportedly withdrawn from their new school shortly after enrollment due to security concerns. Prince William and Kate Middleton have not publicly commented on the Sussexes' return or their current residence in the UK.