Kate Middleton Reportedly Gave Up on Prince Harry After King Charles Cancer Remarks, Author Says
Kate Middleton reportedly spent years trying to repair the fractured relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry, but a remark Harry made about King Charles’ illness was the turning point that ended her efforts, according to royal author Christopher Andersen. Andersen, speaking about his book Kate!: The Courage, Grace, and Power of the Woman Who Will Be Queen, said Kate repeatedly attempted to act as a bridge between the brothers even after Harry’s memoir Spare deepened the divide. He said the relationship finally broke down after Harry’s 2025 BBC interview, in which he spoke about wanting reconciliation while also referring to the uncertainty surrounding his father’s health. Andersen said those comments were especially painful because King Charles, then 77, was being treated for cancer, and he believes Kate felt the remark crossed a line. According to Andersen, she decided she was “done” trying to reconcile the family, and he does not expect a meaningful mending of ties anytime soon.
The book portrays Kate as a steady and loyal figure who took her role in the monarchy seriously and was willing to make personal sacrifices for the institution. Andersen said she viewed her responsibility as supporting William and the Crown, while still protecting her family. He described Kate and Harry as once having a warm and affectionate bond, with Harry reportedly seeing her as the sister he never had. The two shared humor and were said to have been especially close before Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle and his departure from royal life.
Andersen also writes that Kate’s relationship with Meghan was never likely to become close, despite an initially cordial meeting. He said Meghan’s more informal, California-style manner and her different outlook on royal life may have created friction early on. The author suggests Kate quickly understood that Meghan would not approach royal duty in the same way she did. Meghan and Harry married in 2018 and stepped back as senior royals in 2020, later criticizing the palace and the British press in interviews and documentaries. Harry’s memoir in 2023 further strained relations, including claims of a physical confrontation with William.
According to Andersen, William was furious over Harry’s remarks, while Kate was disappointed and ultimately unwilling to continue acting as peacemaker. Royal officials declined to comment on the book’s claims.
