Kate Middleton Wants to Fix Things With Meghan and Harry for Archie and His Cousins
"Her natural instinct is to try to smooth things over...."

During a tough year for the royal family—the death of Prince Philip, the claims about Prince Andrew, and the widening rift between the family and Prince Harry—Kate Middleton has reportedly been the royal family's "glue." At Prince Philip's funeral, she was seen apparently playing peacemaker between Princes Harry and William, whose relationship has been fractured since Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals. According to royal expert Camilla Tominey, writing in The Telegraph, Kate very much wants to fix things between the Sussexes and the Cambridges—in part so that Archie and his sister can be close to her own kids, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte.
Writes Tominey: "Having grown up being close to her own siblings, Pippa, 37, and James, 34, the Duchess remained keen to bury the hatchet even after the interview aired to a global audience of millions, seemingly for the sake of two-year-old Archie’s relationship with his cousins." A source added: "Her natural instinct is to try to smooth things over."
Kate is famously close to her own family, and she and William were very close with Prince Harry before his departure from the royal family and move to California. (Harry is thought to still be close to his own cousins, especially Princess Eugenie.) Kate is widely believed to be the family peacemaker—commentators have noted how the to-be queen has stepped into Prince Philip's shoes in that way—and photographs suggest that she was the first to speak to Prince Harry at his grandfather's funeral, just weeks after the Oprah tell-all interview during which Harry said his brother William was "trapped."
Prince Harry, Prince William, and Peter Phillips at Prince Philip’s funeral.
"My father and my brother, they are trapped. They don't get to leave. And I have huge compassion for that," said Harry in the interview.
As for where Harry and William stand now? While they were seen talking at Philip's funeral, the last on-the-record comment we got was from Harry, who told Oprah: "The relationship is 'space' at the moment. I love William to bits. We’ve been through hell together and we have a shared experience, but we are on different paths."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
'Tastefully Yours' Is a Foodie Rom-Com and Its Main Ingredient Is an A-List Cast of K-Drama Stars
Here's what to know about actors from 'Squid Game,' 'Sweet Home,' and 'Weak Hero Class 2' who lead the ensemble.
-
My New Favorite Sunscreen Oil Is 20 Percent Off—And Limited-Edition
Grab this Supergoop! steal while you can.
-
H&M’s New Collection Is Peak Italian Summer
No long-distance flight required.
-
London Residents "Shocked" After Prince Harry Rang "Wrong" Doorbell Searching for Friend's House
"I don't think many people would just walk down a road knocking on doors."
-
Why Princess Diana Regretted Mentioning One Former Lover in Her BBC 'Panorama' Interview, According to Royal Expert
"She had said, if you remember, that she was in love with him."
-
Royal Expert Says Princess Diana Would Be "Proud" of Prince Harry's Candid BBC Interview
"She liked to say exactly what she thought and then deal with the consequences afterwards."
-
Meghan Markle Does Date Night in a Denim Carolina Herrera Dress at Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' Tour
The Sussexes were photographed enjoying Beyoncé's performance while dancing in the VIP box.
-
Prince Harry Spends Prince Archie's Birthday Honoring Princess Diana's Legacy After Bombshell BBC Interview
"This generation isn’t waiting for permission to lead — they are already doing it."
-
Why King Charles Is Reportedly "Frustrated and Upset" by Prince Harry’s Security Appeal
Charles is also reportedly upset with Harry "on a more personal level."
-
Prince Harry's Years-Long Battle to Reinstate His Security Has Ended After Judge Dismisses Case
The Duke of Sussex faced a major blow in his bid to protect himself and his family in the U.K.
-
Princess Diana "Insisted" Prince Harry and Prince William Buck One Tradition That Prince George Is Facing
The late princess took control when it came to this aspect of her sons' lives.