Princess Kate Middleton has been “trying to convince” husband Prince William to visit his estranged brother, Prince Harry, and his family when they travel to England later this month, a source tells Us Weekly.
According to the source, right now there is “no expectation” that William attends the visit, but that could change.
“At this time, William is not planning to be there, but things could change. Kate has been trying to convince William to meet with Harry, Meghan and the kids,” the insider says of the Princess of Wales, 44, in the latest cover story. “She is interested in seeing the kids, as well. These opportunities to see Archie and Lilibet haven’t happened before, so when they found out they were coming, it was a shock. They are trying to make this work because the opportunities are so limited.”
The source adds, “She is hoping that William will show up, but she will respect his decision.”
Harry, 41, and wife Meghan Markle are set to travel across the pond in July for the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in 2027. News broke in late June that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, 44, planned to bring kids Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, for the occasion.
Harry and Meghan had stepped back from their duties as senior working royals in 2020, subsequently moving to California with their kids. The couple’s decision soon sparked a rift with Harry’s father, King Charles III, and brother William, 44.
The source further claims that William would only meet with Harry “when he’s ready.”
“This is not on William’s timeline, it’s on Harry’s,” the source alleges. “They also weren’t expecting Harry to come to the U.K. with Meghan and the kids, so he’s been hesitant. If he is not ready yet, a reunion won’t happen.”
The insider also tells Us that Charles, 77, has been hopeful to schedule a meeting with Harry and Meghan on their upcoming trip.
“The king is realistic about the challenges of rebuilding the relationship and knows it is going to take time,” the source adds. “[Queen] Camilla has been very supportive of the efforts to improve the relationship. There is definitely excitement, and Charles is also optimistic about this. He’s hoping it’s the first step toward repairing the relationship between Harry and William, as well.”
The insider adds, “These opportunities to see Archie and Lilibet haven’t happened before, so when they found out they were coming, it was a shock. They are trying to make this work because the opportunities are so limited.”
William and Harry last came face to face at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.
“Just recently, my brother and I were walking the same route. We sort of joked to each other and said, ‘At least we know the way,” Harry said during an ITV interview in January 2023, referring to mom Princess Diana’s 1997 funeral. “The only difference was the levels of emotion because our grandmother had finished life. There was more, I think, of a celebration and respect and recognition to what she had accomplished whereas our mother was taken away far too young.”
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