Kate Middleton and William followed ‘tradition’ says expert
Harry and Meghan’s drawn out rift with Kate and William is said to have been a contributing factor towards the Sussexes’ dramatic exit from the Firm. So, it stunned many royal watchers when reports confirmed that the rebellious couple wished the Duchess of Cambridge well on her 39th birthday last week. They reportedly sent her a “thoughtful” card and several presents, although no details have been released on what the presents might have been.
A source claimed: “It was a nice surprise. Kate wasn’t expecting anything from the couple.”
The kind gesture follows months of reports about the tensions which are said to still exist between the two couples.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were allegedly rather more aloof when it was Harry’s 36th birthday, back in September.
While Harry had a video call with Prince Charles and the Queen, accompanied by Meghan and their son Archie, his brother and sister-in-law were nowhere to be seen.
An insider said: “It was a bit awkward that William and Kate weren’t there.
Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince Harry (Image: Getty)
Harry has had many virtual calls with those in the UK since leaving the Royal Family last year (Image: Wellchild Awards)
“William sent his best wishes.
“There was some excuse made about why he wasn’t there.”
Kate and William were enjoying a bagel-making lesson on Harry’s actual birthday, September 15 instead, when visiting several London venues.
It was seen as a significant outing, as it was the couple’s first royal engagement since July due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
They went to a job centre, a mosque and finally, a bagel shop — William even told one of the co-founders of the bakery that the two of them had been “so excited” to visit.
They said they were keen “to shine a light on individuals and businesses who have gone above and beyond to help others during this extraordinary time”.
READ MORE: Harry could still ‘wield Queen’s power’ in UK despite quitting monarch
Kate and William posted this image of the three of them for Harry’s birthday in September (Image: Instagram @kensingtonroyal)
While they were carrying out their royal duties, Harry was celebrating his birthday over in California.
Insiders claimed: “Meghan baked a cake and Harry blew out candles.
“Archie made them laugh when he also blew them out.”
Archie also called Charles “Pa” during the video call, delighting his family, and the conversation was reportedly “very pleasant”.
Harry even “told the family how much he missed them”.
Although Kate and William could not join in with that particular virtual family call, others claimed the couple would have shown their affection for Harry in another way.
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Kate and William reportedly snubbed Harry by not turning up to his birthday video call (Image: Getty)
Relations between the Sussexes and Cambridges had been frosty for months (Image: Getty)
While they were carrying out their royal duties, Harry was celebrating his birthday over in California.
Insiders claimed: “Meghan baked a cake and Harry blew out candles.
“Archie made them laugh when he also blew them out.”
Archie also called Charles “Pa” during the video call, delighting his family, and the conversation was reportedly “very pleasant”.
Harry even “told the family how much he missed them”.
Although Kate and William could not join in with that particular virtual family call, others claimed the couple would have shown their affection for Harry in another way.
Kate and William visited a bagel shop for a royal engagement on Harry’s birthday (Image: Getty)
Harry, Meghan, William and Kate were once dubbed the Fab Four (Image: Getty)
But, Sussex supporters pulled the Cambridges apart for not including Meghan in the tribute to Harry.
Comedian Sheletta Brundidge commented: “Did they just wish Harry a happy birthday and put themselves in the photo but not HIS wife and child?”
However, royal commentator Richard Kay claimed: “However compelling the narrative of brothers at war may be, insiders dismiss suggestions that Meghan was purposely not included in the Cambridges’ photo.
“According to aides, there is protocol surrounding royal birthdays, just as there is for any other Palace-sponsored event.
“Spouses are never included.”
Indeed, the Cambridges just posted a photograph of Meghan for her birthday back in August.
