Meghan Markle has once again sparked controversy within the royal family, and this time, her actions have reportedly left Princess Kate deeply hurt.
Just days before the release of her highly anticipated Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex made a move that insiders claim was a painful reminder of the growing divide between the Sussexes and the Waleses.
In a seemingly innocent Instagram Story, Meghan shared a sweet moment between her daughter, Princess Lilibet, and her best friend, Serena Williams. The post, which read, “When the aunties come to celebrate…and to play. Love you, Serena Williams,” showcased Serena playing with Lili in what appeared to be a warm family moment.
However, royal insiders have revealed that Meghan referring to Serena as an “aunt” has left Kate feeling heartbroken. According to New Idea, the Princess of Wales sees this as yet another sign that she has been completely shut out of her niece and nephew’s lives.
A source told Women’s Day, “Meghan’s video is another reminder for Kate that she’ll never play a part in Lili’s life. It’s an extraordinary situation—some suspect she is banned from seeing her own niece and darling nephew.”
The insider further revealed that Kate, who once envisioned her children growing up alongside Archie and Lilibet, has been left emotional by the public display.
“Before things started to go wrong, Meghan and Kate would talk endlessly about their children growing up together. Markle’s video is sure to bring up painful feelings for Middleton, who sources say hates being estranged from her niece and nephew.”
This revelation comes at a time when the royal rift between Prince William and Prince Harry remains as deep as ever. While there have been occasional rumors of reconciliation, actions like these continue to widen the gap between the two families.
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For Kate, the idea of watching Lilibet bond with Meghan’s celebrity friends instead of her own family is particularly painful. “Seeing her beautiful niece playing with a ‘rent-an-aunt’ will be tugging away at (Middleton’s) heartstrings and making her tear up,” the source added.
Royal commentators have also pointed out that this is not the first time Meghan has emphasized her children’s connections with Hollywood elites rather than their British royal relatives. From Oprah Winfrey to Tyler Perry, the Sussexes have built a new circle of support in California, leaving Kate and William out of the picture entirely.
Many royal fans have taken to social media to express sympathy for Kate, with some calling Meghan’s post a deliberate snub. Others argue that Meghan is simply showcasing her new life, free from the constraints of royal protocol.
Regardless of intent, Meghan’s Netflix show, which premiered on March 4, 2025, is already making waves—not just for its content but for the drama it continues to stir within the royal family.
With no sign of reconciliation on the horizon, this latest incident serves as yet another reminder of how fractured the once-close relationship between Kate and Meghan has become. And for Princess Kate, the pain of being excluded from Lilibet and Archie’s lives is something that may never fully heal.
