The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Sussex haven’t exchanged a word in four years, but since Meghan returned to British soil, the sisters-in-law have no doubt been dreading the very real possibility of an awkward run-in.
In fact, they’ve already had a near-miss, when Meghan, 45, had lunch with activist Malala Yousafzai at Claridge’s hotel – while Kate, 44, was mere minutes away in Mayfair.
Stirring the pot
“Meghan’s meeting with Malala was a little too close to home for Kate,” a royal insider tells Woman’s Day. “Even though she’s tucked away at Windsor most of the time, Claridge’s is one of her favourite spots for a discreet lunch.
“She and William have dined there many times, so it’s understandable that it might irk Kate to see Meghan swanning about on her old turf.”
While we’re told every care has been taken to ensure the princess doesn’t unexpectedly find herself mingling in the same social circles as Meghan, the duchess may see things a little differently.
“It would be a mistake to underestimate Meghan,” our source explains. “She knows it would be the money shot to have her and Kate staring each other down across a restaurant.
“Her making a big show of her Claridge’s outing is sending a clear message that it will be Kate’s team who has to work around avoiding her – because frankly, Meghan would love a public face-off with Kate.”
‘Performative’ outings
Just like the feud between their husbands – the Prince of Wales, 44, and the Duke of Sussex, 42 – whispers of a rift between Kate and Meghan refuse to go away.
Now being in such close proximity once again has them both hypersensitive to any underhanded tactics.
One such instance – Kate’s recent peak-hour ride on the London Underground with daughter Princess Charlotte, 11, which Meghan apparently saw as a “calculated” swipe at her ongoing security concerns for her kids, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
“Meghan believes Catherine knew exactly what she was doing,” an insider spills. “Harry and Meghan say Britain is too dangerous for their children, then Catherine casually takes Charlotte on the Tube.”
As for Kate, we’re told she was left reeling over Harry and Meghan’s “performative” walkabout in Nottingham.
“Kate is absolutely furious,” reports our source. “She’s reached breaking point after Harry and Meghan’s latest pseudo-royal appearance.
“She’s spent years biting her tongue, but she feels enough is enough when it comes to Meghan’s games.”
Brotherly reconciliation
Reports of heightened tension between the two come just after Harry’s public declaration that he “of course” wants to reconcile with his big brother.
In remarks that many saw as a thinly veiled dig at William, Harry quipped, “Some people don’t want it to work out. I want it to work out.”
