Kate Middleton was reportedly left “deeply hurt” by the way Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties—an emotional chapter that continues to shape relationships within the royal family.
New insights have emerged from royal biographer Russell Myers, who shared details while working on his book William & Catherine, offering a closer look at how the situation impacted the future Queen.
A Departure That Shocked the Royal Family
According to Myers, the Sussexes’ decision to leave the UK and step back from royal responsibilities came as a surprise to many within the institution. He suggested the move unfolded in a way that left little room for compromise.
Speaking about the situation, the author indicated that tensions were perhaps inevitable given the path Harry and Meghan chose, referencing the growing divide between the couples.
“A Line Was Crossed”
Behind palace doors, emotions reportedly ran high. Myers revealed that individuals close to Prince William and Catherine felt the manner of the departure crossed a significant line.

Both William and Kate were said to be deeply affected—not just by the decision itself, but by how it was handled.
Kate’s Role as a Peacemaker
One of the lesser-known aspects of the royal rift, according to the biographer, is Kate Middleton’s consistent effort to keep peace between the brothers.
“She didn’t want the relationship to end,” Myers shared, noting that Catherine often acted as a mediator during disagreements. She reportedly encouraged both William and Harry to reflect on their long-term bond and the importance of family unity.
Her role as a calming influence was especially important during tense moments, as she tried to bridge the growing divide between the two sides.
A Sad Ending to a Royal Chapter
Even in the final days before Harry and Meghan’s departure from the UK, there was reportedly a strong sense of sadness within the family. Senior members are said to have urged Harry to reconsider and explore solutions that could work for everyone involved.
Despite those efforts, the separation moved forward—leaving behind unresolved emotions and strained relationships.
Is Reconciliation Possible?
While there have been ongoing discussions about whether the royal brothers could reconcile, Myers suggested it may still be too early to expect a resolution.
For now, the impact of Harry and Meghan’s exit continues to be felt—particularly for Kate Middleton, who reportedly hoped for a very different outcome for the family.
