WhenKate MiddletonandPrince Williamstepped out alongsidePrince HarryandMeghan Markleat Windsor Castle followingQueen Elizabeth’s death, many hoped thereunionwas the first step in reconciliation between the brothers and their wives. However, thesurprise outingwas difficult for both couples behind the scenes.
In his new bookOur King: Charles III, author Robert Jobson wrote that Kate later said the outing was “one of the hardest things she’s ever had to do.”
Meghan felt similarly about the walkabout, where the two couples viewed tributes toQueen Elizabethand greeted mourners gathered outside.
“That’s the longest they had ever been away from the kids, and then on top of it, knowing what’s being said out there — it was very difficult,” a source tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s issue.
Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty
Meghan, 41, andPrince Harry, 38, were in Europe for a series of charity appearances while their two children —Prince ArchieandPrincess Lilibet— remained in California whenQueen Elizabethdied in September. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex extended their trip to attend the funeral events.
According to Kensington Palace,Prince Williaminvited his brother and sister-in-law to join them — but it was Kate who came up with the idea.
“She didn’t want her or William to have any regrets,” a friend of Kate’s told PEOPLE.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William and Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty
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“Things are strained,” a palace insider says.
WhilePrince Harryand King Charles have had “positive conversations” ahead of the coronation, there has been no communication betweenPrince HarryandPrince William, and an insider says Harry’s appearance at the crowning ceremony will do little to ease tensions.
“I don’t think the coronation and a big conversation can be conflated,” says an insider.
WhilePrince Harryattends the coronation solo, Meghan willremain in Californiawith their two children. King Charles' crowning ceremony falls on Prince Archie’s4th birthday, and PEOPLE understands that the Duchess of Sussex will spend the weekend celebrating with him and his sister, 22-month-old Princess Lilibet.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
“It’s an elegant solution,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith tells PEOPLE, adding that Archie’s birthday “gave them a reasonable out for Meghan not to come.”
But those closest to the couple know that the media backlash Meghan faced in the U.K. duringQueen Elizabeth’s funeral last year — and in the months since — played a significant role in her decision not to come.
“Meghan wants to be there to support her father-in-law, but at the same time, the scrutiny she receives outweighs the support,” the close friend says. “There’s always going to be that other side challenging their reasoning, and who wants to put themselves in that position?”
source: people.com
