Kate Middleton vs Meghan Markle: ‘Abrasive’ claim surfaces as book reveals hidden rift that changed the royal family forever

A new royal biography claims that tensions between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle began well before Meghan and Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties. The account suggests that differences in personality, concerns about staff interactions, and shifting dynamics between the couples contributed to a widening divide within the royal family.

The book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, by Russell Myers, examines how these tensions developed over time and how they affected the relationship between Prince William and his younger brother Harry.

According to the biography, Kate found it difficult to align with Meghan’s manner early on and believed that a departure from royal life was likely. The author writes that Kate, who had previously acted as a mediator during disagreements between the brothers, eventually felt she could no longer bring them together.

The book also revisits the early phase of Harry and Meghan’s relationship. The couple began dating in 2016, became engaged in 2017, and married in May 2018. During their televised engagement interview, Harry said he initially kept the relationship private, including from his family. He added that William and Kate were keen to meet Meghan once they learned about her. Meghan described Kate as “wonderful” during that first meeting.

The biography states that tensions escalated due to concerns over how Harry and Meghan interacted with palace staff. William and Kate were described as placing significant value on staff relationships, and these concerns contributed to growing mistrust.

Following the Sussexes’ 2018 wedding, the dynamic between the two couples reportedly changed. William and Kate were said to feel that Harry and Meghan were pursuing their own “agenda,” which affected the working relationship between the households.

A source quoted in the book described the environment as “toxic.” The same account claims Meghan’s “bullish” approach did not sit well with Kate, who allegedly “found her abrasive.” These descriptions are presented as part of the broader explanation for the breakdown in relations.

Years later, Meghan publicly reflected on her first interactions with William and Kate. She recalled hosting them for dinner while dressed casually, noting that she was barefoot and wearing ripped jeans.

Meghan explained that her natural tendency to greet people with hugs may have felt unexpected in a formal royal setting. She also said she was surprised that the outward formality of royal life extended into private interactions.

“There is a forward-facing way of being, and then you close the door and go ‘You can relax now’, but that formality carries over on both sides. And that was surprising to me,” Meghan said.

The book also examines the impact of Harry and Meghan’s 2019 television interview with Tom Bradby. During the interview, Meghan acknowledged that she had been finding life difficult, while Harry stated that he and William were on “different paths.”

According to Myers, this moment marked a turning point for William. The interview highlighted the extent of the shift in the brothers’ relationship and reinforced the sense that the divide between the two couples was becoming lasting.

A source cited in the book claims William felt he had, at some point, “lost” his brother. The same source alleges that William believed Harry had become “paranoid, angry, obsessive, and firmly rooted in the past,” while noting that support had been available to him.

The biography also revisits reports that William had advised Harry to proceed cautiously in his relationship with Meghan. While this advice was later interpreted by some as skepticism, the book includes claims that William initially had a positive impression of Meghan.

An insider quoted in the biography states that William found Meghan engaging and was “genuinely happy for Harry and only wanted the best for him.”

The biography outlines how early differences, staff concerns, and key moments gradually reshaped relationships within the royal family, leading to a lasting divide.