Kate Middleton saw no way forward with Meghan Markle after staff issues, but what pushed Prince William to act finally? Details here

Kate Middleton and Prince Harry once shared a close bond, with Harry previously describing her as “the big sister I never had.” When Meghan Markle entered his life, expectations were high that the relationship between the two women would develop positively.

For a brief period, both couples Kate and Prince William alongside Harry and Meghan were presented as a united front, often referred to as the “Fab Four.” However, that alignment did not last. Within two years, Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal duties and later made several public statements about their experiences, leading to a visible rift with the rest of the family.

According to a new account by Russell Myers in William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, tensions had been building well before their departure, particularly around concerns tied to internal dynamics and staff experiences.

The book outlines that allegations regarding staff treatment emerged around the time of Harry and Meghan’s wedding and continued into their working royal life. These concerns became significant within the household.

In early 2019, William reportedly approached Harry directly to discuss Meghan’s conduct towards palace staff. This conversation led to a confrontation between the brothers, which has since been widely discussed. While Harry later described the incident in detail, William’s version has not been publicly shared. Sources close to him have suggested that Harry’s account may be overstated.

What remains undisputed is that Meghan’s behaviour formed the core of the disagreement. Harry wrote that William used terms such as “difficult,” “rude,” and “abrasive” in reference to Meghan. While those close to William could not confirm the exact wording, they indicated such an assessment would not have been unreasonable.

William and Kate had focused on building what was described as a supportive and stable working environment. In contrast, accounts from the period suggest that staff working with Harry and Meghan experienced difficulties.

According to the report, some employees felt distressed, with instances of staff leaving roles, struggling with their wellbeing, or avoiding certain duties. This contrast in workplace atmosphere became a key point of concern for William and Kate.

The issue was not limited to isolated incidents but was viewed as an ongoing challenge, contributing to a widening divide between the two households.

Kate had often acted as a steady influence during disagreements between William and Harry. Her approach was shaped by a preference for resolving issues through discussion rather than conflict.

Initially, she is said to have believed that tensions between the brothers were due to personality differences or stubbornness on both sides. However, the situation involving staff altered her perspective.

The account suggests that Kate eventually concluded she could not resolve the situation. The dynamics between the couples shifted further after Harry and Meghan’s wedding. One source indicated that William and Kate believed there was a broader underlying issue influencing the Sussexes’ behaviour.

Descriptions from the time pointed to a strained atmosphere, with Meghan characterised as assertive and Kate viewing her as abrasive. There was an expectation that William might be able to resolve matters through direct conversation with Harry, but that did not lead to a lasting solution.

Kate’s focus also remained on her responsibilities at home with her three young children. Over time, she came to see a separation between the couples as increasingly likely, even if the eventual outcome exceeded initial expectations.

The book also highlights William’s response to a 2019 interview in which Meghan spoke about personal struggles and Harry stated that he and William were on “different paths.”

According to the account, this moment reinforced William’s view that the relationship had fundamentally changed. It is suggested that he believed Harry had become increasingly distant and difficult to reach, despite attempts to support him.

A source close to William stated that there was still significant care and support for Harry at that time, but that the relationship had shifted in a way that was hard to reverse.

Despite later tensions, it is also noted that William initially had a positive impression of Meghan and was supportive of Harry’s relationship. He reportedly wanted the best for his brother and encouraged him to proceed thoughtfully.

Rising tensions over staff concerns and personal differences reshaped relationships, leading Kate Middleton to step back as divisions deepened within the royal family.