How Kate Middleton Calmed Harry And William's Feud
On April 17, 2021, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was laid to rest in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. While most of the focus was understandably on the late prince, his wife Queen Elizabeth II, and the service, many royal watchers were also interested in what might happen between Prince William and Prince Harry. The brothers — who were once quite close — have been feuding on and off for a few years, though the situation was seemingly exacerbated by William's reaction to Harry's relationship with Meghan Markle, per Elle.
That feud came to a head in January 2020, when Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down as senior royals and split their time between the United Kingdom and North America, reported the BBC. The publication claimed that no other senior royal, including the queen or William, were consulted about the decision, and Buckingham Palace released a statement saying they were "disappointed" in Harry and Meghan's choice.
The Sussexes officially retired from senior duties in March 2020 and moved to Canada before eventually settling in Los Angeles. The coronavirus pandemic kept Harry away from the U.K. for a full year, and it was only the death of his grandfather that brought him back to his home country. Many wondered what the meeting between the two brothers would look like, and if the Duchess of Cambridge would have any part to play.
As it turns out, she did.
Kate Middleton seemed concerned for Prince Harry
Those hoping for a reconciliation between Prince William and Prince Harry who tuned into Prince Philip's funeral on April 17, 2021 were treated to a worrisome sight at first. William and Harry walked behind their grandfather for the funeral procession, but did not stand next to each other. Rather, Peter Phillips — Philip and Queen Elizabeth II's oldest grandchild — stood between them, reportedly at the request of William, per the Daily Mail. The publication also noted that Harry experienced "frostiness" from certain members of the royal family, notably Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Edward's wife Sophie, and William.
During the procession, Harry looked uncomfortable, and body language experts told the Mirror that William looked very "stoic in his approach, very militaristic," while Harry looked to be a bit awkward and confined. They said this feeling continued as the procession ended and the brothers walked into the church, with William walking ahead of Harry. The mood slightly shifted once everybody sat down, though, and the body language experts stated Kate Middleton seemed to look over at Harry during the service with an intense stare, one that was possibly concerned about him, and potentially felt a "mother's need to care for him."
After the service concluded, Harry seemed to drop back, waiting to depart the church behind many other members of the royal family, and he still seemed to feel uncomfortable. That was soon to change, however.
Kate Middleton apparently played peacemaker
As the royal family was walking out of St. George's Chapel, many members stopped to talk to the Right Reverend David Conner, the Dean of Windsor, who conducted the funeral service for Prince Philip alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, reported the Daily Mail. While Prince William was talking to the reverend, it was noticed that Kate Middleton and Prince Harry began chatting.
As the New York Post wrote, Harry seemed to "visibly relax" as she spoke. The Daily Mail reported Kate and William then talked as Harry took his turn with the reverend. The body language experts who spoke with the Mirror claimed that, at this point, Harry and William had some eye contact and William gestured for Harry to walk between the two of them, forming a trio as they had so often done in the past.
At this point, Kate chose to step back, dropping into conversation with the Countess of Wessex and her daughter, allowing William and Harry to speak privately. Many observers, including Harry's friend Tom Bradby, who covered the funeral for ITV, said, via the Daily Mail, "That's a sight, let's be honest, that many wanted to see. Not least the family itself," referring to William and Harry talking to one another. It was an optimistic moment for many who are hoping for a reconciliation between the brothers and is hopefully indicative of lessening tensions between the two men.
Kate Middleton has always helped William and Harry
Prince William and Prince Harry's feud has a potentially unintended consequence, and that's the strained friendship between Kate Middleton and Harry. Those who have followed the princes' lives for years know just how close Kate and Harry used to be. In fact, when asked about his future sister-in-law when William proposed, Harry said Kate was "the big sister he never had," per the Daily Mail.
That description seemed to be accurate, as sources said Kate essentially took Harry under her wing, cooking for him, teaching him kitchen techniques, and giving him dating advice. "She has been both a trusted counsel and something of a partner in crime for the persistently single Harry," the publication wrote, stating they had a "true friendship."
Kate has also had a "civilising influence on both brothers." She's a good mediator between William and Harry, who a source told Daily Mail can be quite the opposites: "[Harry] is quick to anger, quick to defuse — where William can be obstinate to the point of lunacy." This description can perfectly describe the current situation and may explain why Kate took action to bring them together after the funeral.
Her efforts may have been fruitful, as there is talk that Harry will stay in the United Kingdom a bit longer, to "privately celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 95th birthday," reported the New York Post. If that occurs, we're sure it would be a welcome sight for the queen as she mourns.