The Reason Some Think Kate Middleton May Have Served As Peacemaker Between William And Harry

Apr 20, 2021 by apost team

Prince Philip passed away on April 9, 2021, after being admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital two months earlier with health concerns. Following his admission, the prince underwent surgery for a heart condition. One month later, on March 16, Buckingham Palace released a statement that announced the procedure was "successful."

However, just less than one month after that, the Duke of Edinburgh would pass away at home with the queen in Windsor Castle. Members of the family have described his passing as peaceful. The death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, on April 9, 2021, has sent the United Kingdom into mourning, especially ardent supporters of the British monarchy.

The funeral was, in some ways, a segue for the family to heal after a tumultuous year. Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's abrupt departure as senior working members of the Royal Family in March 2020, this is the first time that Harry and his family have reunited. The already tense relationship between Harry and the family ignited further after Harry and Markle sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a controversial interview in March. During the television special, the couple openly criticized the royal family and its culture. 

While the royal family released a comment following the interview, there have been continued reports of a rift between Harry and the rest, especially his brother Prince William. The currently fraught relationship between the brothers has reportedly thawed a little after the funeral service when they were seen chatting together. News outlets also reported that Kate Middleton may have helped to calm the rift. 

The funeral marked the first time Harry was back on English soil after stepping down from the duties of a senior royal just a year ago, Metro reports. His wife Meghan Markle could not join him, as the couple is expecting their second child soon. Due to Markle being heavily pregnant, she has been advised by doctors not to fly during this time. It is understood, however, that she had made every effort to join her husband until her doctors did not give her clearance, as per the news outlet. 

BBC reported that the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Cambridge were seen talking together after they left the funeral of their grandfather. During the procession from Windsor Castle to St. George's Chapel, the princes walked with their cousin Peter Phillips between them. After the service, the brothers were deep in conversation and later were joined by Harry's sister-in-law Kate Middleton. 

The Sun reported that William has previously called his wife a "peacemaker" in the family, and that may have helped to thaw the cold relationship between Harry and his brother. Harry was first seen talking to Kate after the queen left the funeral in her car. After other mourners had left the chapel, William let Harry and Kate catch up before joining them. The three of them then walked together, before Kate stepped back ever so slightly so that the brother could walk and chat together. This small gesture by Kate allowed a pathway for the brothers to connect in a better way. Kate may truly be a subtle but powerful peacemaker for the brothers. 

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After arriving in the U.K. two days after his grandfather's passing from his home in California, Harry had been self-isolated at home in Frogmore Cottage. Marie Claire reports that the residence is also occupied by Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank and their newborn son August. Though there have been no reports for how much longer Harry plans to stay in the UK, it is believed that he is "anxious" to return to the US to reunite with Meghan. 

The reported rift between Harry and William has played out in many ways, one of which was the eschewing of military uniforms for Philip's funeral, which was met with some shock by the public. News broke on Thursday, April 15, that members of the royal family would wear suits on Saturday at Prince Philip’s St. George Chapel funeral. As Sky News reported, the decision, reportedly approved by Queen Elizabeth II herself, is a departure from the tradition wherein those who have served in the military and hold rank wear their uniforms at official state occasions, such as Philip’s funeral.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson refused to respond to the public’s “perceptions of drama” regarding this decision, according to The Guardian. “The arrangements have been agreed, and they represent Her Majesty’s wishes,” a palace spokesperson is quoted as saying. Buckingham Palace’s statement was brief and to-the-point. “Members of the royal family will be wearing morning coat with medals or day dress. That’s to say members of the royal family will not be in military uniform,” the spokesperson added, according to The Guardian.

Do you think that Kate will play a big part in helping heal the brothers' rift? Tell us what you think, and tell your friends about how Kate has helped her husband and brother-in-law reunite after Philip's funeral.