The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from senior royal duties six years ago continues to reshape the British monarchy. However, while Prince William reportedly struggled with his brother’s decision, Princess Kate Middleton apparently viewed it as inevitable — a pragmatic assessment rooted in the dynamics of the “heir and the spare.”
The Diverging Reactions
Royal author Russell Myers, in his new book William and Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era, details how the Prince and Princess of Wales reacted differently to Harry and Meghan’s announcement. William was deeply affected by his brother’s choice to step back, while Kate showed “less interest” in persuading them to remain within the royal fold.
This difference in response isn’t surprising. Kate, having grown up understanding her own role within the monarchy as the future queen consort, likely recognized that Harry’s ambitions for a more independent role were incompatible with the rigid structure of the palace. She understood the inherent power imbalance between the heir and the spare, a dynamic she experienced firsthand while raising her own children.
The Shift Began with the Wedding
The turning point, according to Myers, was Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018. After the marriage, Harry sought more agency than his existing role allowed, and Kate seemingly accepted this outcome as unavoidable. The tensions surrounding the wedding itself – particularly the infamous bridesmaid dress drama – serve as a stark illustration of the growing divide.
Harry’s memoir, Spare, recounts a dispute over Princess Charlotte’s ill-fitting dress, which he claims was initiated by Kate with a terse message about a “problem.” The incident suggests underlying friction, exacerbated by the pressure of a high-profile event.
An Inevitable Outcome
By the time Harry and Meghan formally announced their exit, Kate appears to have recognized that their departure was already in motion. While William hoped to retain his brother’s support for the monarchy, Harry had already made his choice. The Sussexes sought a path outside the constraints of royal life, and Kate understood this fundamental difference in priorities.
The Princess’s foresight highlights a key aspect of the monarchy’s future: adapting to evolving ambitions while maintaining tradition.
Ultimately, Kate Middleton’s measured response suggests a clearer understanding of the forces at play, while William grappled with the personal loss of his brother’s presence within the royal structure. The situation underscores the complexities of modernizing the monarchy and the unavoidable tensions between duty and personal fulfillment.
