Relations between the Dukes and Duchesses of Sussex and Cambridge reportedly broke down this year. Harry and Meghan’s decision to step down as senior members of the Royal Family is thought to have triggered the royal feud between the brothers.
Writing in Vanity Fair, royal author Katie Nicholl said: “No one knew on January 8, when Harry and Meghan first announced they were stepping down as senior royals, what a turbulent year would follow.
“But their bombshell statement, posted on their brand-new Sussex Royal website, set the tone for months of hand-wringing among royal watchers, and the royal themselves.
“Some royal historians and commentators have claimed Harry and Meghan’s departure, and the historic fallout between Harry and Prince William, was the closest the House of Windsor had come to a constitutional crisis since the death of Princess Diana.”
Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand’s book Finding Freedom is said to have laid bare the Sussexes’ side of the royal rift and other Royal Family feuds.
According to Ms Nicholl, Mr Scobie said: “Every step of the way there have been unexpected challenges.
“They have had to go up against a lot—the press, their legal battles and even the institution of the monarchy—but they’ve remained positive and it’s the support they give each other and their focus on what’s important that gets them through.”
Ms Nicholl went on to claim that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose to step down from royal duties “partly to become financially independent”.
But they were “forced to figure out how to earn an income”.
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According to Ms Nicholl, one friend close to the couple said: “There are certain things he misses.
“But nothing so much that he regrets moving.
“He’s found a kindred spirit in Meghan, they are creating a new life.
“That’s so very exciting for them both.”
Ms Nicholl added how Prince Harry and William’s relationship is now in much better shape than earlier in the year.
She wrote: “Much to the relief of the royal family, Harry’s relationship with William is said to be ‘much better than it was’.
“The brothers are in regular contact, and the Sussexes have sent Christmas gifts to the Cambridge family.”
According to the royal expert, a friend of the couple said: “I have no doubt they will be video calling each other over Christmas.”
Ms Nicholl also said the Sussexes will be having a quiet Christmas this year in their new US home with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland.
She wrote: “Meghan is overseeing the menu and will be cooking on the day.”
