Fresh talk about Harry and Catherine’s past connection brings new attention to old tensions
Reports suggest that both Prince William and Meghan Markle are choosing not to react to renewed whispers about Harry and Catherine’s once-close bond. Those close to the family say each of them remains focused on protecting their spouse and keeping family unity at the forefront.
The discussion has been revived by long-standing claims that Harry’s easy rapport with his sister-in-law once caused strain between the brothers. Some commentators believe Meghan was uneasy about that bond when she first joined the royal family, adding that it may have contributed to early friction.
The topic resurfaced after Grant Harrold, former butler to King Charles, spoke about William and Catherine’s brief split in 2007 in his book The Royal Butler. Harrold recalled how warmly Harry and Catherine got on during that period, describing them as unusually close and noting that their friendship was far stronger than the public realised.
According to Harrold, their connection was so natural that it caught the attention of those working around them. His comments have prompted former palace staff to revisit old observations about the dynamic between the two at the time.
A source familiar with the period said William had always been more guarded, while Harry and Catherine clicked almost instantly. When William and Catherine briefly separated, some around the household felt there was a narrow moment when the situation could have shifted in another direction, though nothing ever came of it.
Insiders say Harry and Catherine’s comfortable rapport had already created delicate moments within the family long before Meghan entered the picture. After Meghan’s arrival, the atmosphere reportedly became more complicated as attention and public focus shifted in ways that were difficult for everyone involved.
Some observers believe William may have felt uneasy at times about how close Harry and Catherine were, not because of anything romantic, but because of how loyalty and attention play out inside the royal family. Their bond was widely recognised, and it shaped more of the early family dynamic than the public ever saw.
