Checkmate—Meghan Markle has reportedly made a move to reconcile with Kate Middleton amongst rumours the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have plans to return to royal life.
Prince Harry and the former Hollywood actress stepped away as senior and working members of the British monarchy, consequently parting with a majority of royal duties and titles, in February 2021. But after several years of financial independence, an onslaught of criticism and vitriol and several seemingly failed contracts with entertainment conglomerates like Spotify and Netflix, recent headlines have led some to deduce the Sussex’s plans to reintegrate themselves back into the fold.
Of course, Prince Harry’s memoir Spare fuelled further tension in an already-failing relationship between himself and his older brother, Prince William and his father, King Charles III. But it was a surprising revelation about his sister-in-law Kate Middleton that deemed her fractured relationship with Meghan Markle irreparable. Yet, if reports are to be believed, it appears that time and distance could help place a bandaid over any conflict as rumours circulate that Markle has made a concerted effort to resolve differences with the Princess of Wales.
An anonymous source has claimed the re-announced podcast host has “contacted Kate and Charles” by “reaching out” to reconcile after years of animosity and mutual disagreement. Another insider with intel alleges that the former Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly “open to reconciling, though with Harry more so than Meghan Markle”.
The Sussex’s turbulent relationship with the royals has been headline fodder since the infamous ‘bridesmaid dress fiasco from Markle and Prince Harry’s 2018 wedding. Both women were labelled as “clashing housewives” by the media, with the context surrounding the disintegrating familial bonds whittled down two prolific women arguing over a child’s dress. Nevertheless, neither side of the pond has made concerted efforts to show their camaraderie—nor given hints at the current status of their relationship.
Middleton and Markle were last in one another’s company at the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Suits star notoriously skipped her father-in-law’s coronation in favour of hiking in Montecito with friends. Middleton is currently recovering from abdominal surgery and is circumventing any public appearances.
Prince Harry did not see his brother upon his 24-hour return to London where he met with his father for 30 minutes in light of his cancer diagnosis. It’s reported that Middleton is taking a passive approach to their relationship. “Kate would be open to making nice if William wanted to, but she won’t meddle,” another source noted. “She has faith that the situation will resolve itself in time.”
This article first appeared originally on GRAZIA International.