Kate and William’s ‘Small Gesture’ of Reconciliation to Sussexes

A new royal biography reveals that Kate Middleton and Prince William extended a “small gesture” of reconciliation to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle following an emotional evening at Buckingham Palace, just days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The rift between the Sussexes and the royal family has been widely reported since Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties and relocated to the United States. However, according to Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story by Robert Hardman, William and Kate made an effort to bridge the gap after the Queen’s passing.

The gesture reportedly took place as members of the royal family gathered at Buckingham Palace to receive the Queen’s coffin. The occasion brought the feuding couples together as they awaited the coffin’s arrival before an informal dinner. It was during this time that William and Kate extended an olive branch to Harry and Meghan, suggesting that the Sussexes attach their car to the Waleses’ police escort for the journey back to Windsor.

Hardman writes, “Inside the palace, all members of the Royal Family were there to welcome the Queen back to Royal headquarters for the last time, followed by an informal supper. Afterward, the Prince and Princess of Wales suggested that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex should attach their car to their police escort for the journey back to Windsor since they were all going the same way.”

While the gesture was modest—“they would not be sharing a car”—it was seen as a small step toward reconciliation. Hardman adds, “It was only a small gesture and nowhere near any sort of reconciliation. However, the late Queen would have approved.”

This act of goodwill occurred months before the release of Harry and Meghan’s explosive Netflix docuseries, which further strained relations between the Sussexes and the royal family. In the series, several family members were criticized, with William being portrayed as prone to “screaming and shouting.”

Despite the ongoing tensions, this small act by William and Kate suggests that there were moments when reconciliation seemed possible, even if only briefly. The Queen’s passing provided a moment of unity, and though it didn’t resolve the underlying issues, it highlighted the complexities of their relationship and the enduring influence of Queen Elizabeth II on her family.