Prince William’s recent diplomatic engagement at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral has stirred up fresh tensions between the Prince of Wales and his estranged brother, Prince Harry, as well as his sister-in-law, Meghan Markle.
The event, which marked the grand reopening of the iconic French cathedral after its devastating fire five years ago, saw the future King meeting with several high-profile global figures, including former U.S. President and President-elect Donald Trump.
The encounter, which was captured in videos and photos showcasing an apparently warm exchange between Trump and William, has reportedly struck a nerve with Harry and Meghan.
Sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex claim that this latest development feels like a betrayal, further deepening the rift between the once-close brothers.
Prince William’s attendance at the reopening ceremony was widely lauded as a symbol of his growing stature on the global stage.
As the Prince of Wales, William’s increasing role in diplomatic and international events is a key part of preparing him for his future as King.
The event, held in Paris earlier this month, saw William rubbing shoulders with political heavyweights and influential leaders.
Among these figures was Donald Trump, whose controversial stance on Harry and Meghan is well-documented.
Trump has previously been vocal about his disdain for Meghan Markle, referring to her as “nasty” in interviews and criticizing the couple’s decision to step down as working royals.
Despite the professional nature of William’s interaction with Trump, sources close to Harry and Meghan have described their reaction as one of profound hurt and betrayal.
A well-placed insider revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were blindsided by William’s interaction with Trump. The source described their feelings as a mix of anger, hurt, and shock.
“This cuts deep on so many levels and feels like an appalling betrayal for Harry and Meghan,” the insider told Closer.
The source explained that while the couple understands William’s attendance at the event was part of his royal duties, they believe he could have shown more sensitivity to their feelings.
“Prince William appeared to get along with Trump very well. Of course, William was fulfilling a professional role, but Trump has been so vicious towards them, and William is fully aware of that. Meghan and Harry can’t help but think he could have discussed it with them first,” the insider added.
This perceived lack of communication has reportedly intensified Harry and Meghan’s feelings of alienation.
The tensions between the brothers are no secret. Since Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and moved to California, their relationship with the rest of the royal family has become increasingly strained.
Harry’s memoir, Spare, and the couple’s Netflix documentary series have only added fuel to the fire, with both projects highlighting grievances and alleged mistreatment by the royal family.
According to the insider, William’s interaction with Trump feels like a direct affront to Harry, who has reportedly tried to reach out to his brother multiple times.
“The fact Harry can’t even get William to pick up the phone is insulting enough, but now they feel very hurt and betrayed that their feelings appear not to have been taken into consideration,” the source said.
Royal experts have noted that William’s engagement with Trump may be part of a broader strategy to solidify his position on the global stage.
As the Prince of Wales, William’s role is increasingly focused on diplomacy, strengthening ties with world leaders, and representing the Crown at major international events.
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However, Harry and Meghan reportedly view the meeting as a political misstep, given Trump’s history of public criticism towards them.
The couple is said to fear that Trump’s admiration for William could embolden him to further criticize them, potentially exacerbating their already fraught public image.
The situation has reportedly left Harry and Meghan feeling anxious and vulnerable.
Sources close to the couple suggest they are particularly concerned about Trump’s history of targeting them and worry that his interaction with William may embolden him further.
“They are genuinely shocked and frightened. They’ve always believed that William shared their progressive values, and this encounter with Trump has left them questioning everything,” the insider revealed.
The couple is also said to fear that this development could negatively impact their ongoing efforts to rebuild their public image.
This latest incident underscores the deep divide between William and Harry. While William is increasingly focused on his duties as the future King, Harry and Meghan continue to navigate life outside the royal fold, where their decisions and public statements have often clashed with those of the royal family.
Royal commentator Angela Levin believes that this incident highlights the fundamentally different paths the brothers have taken.
“William is clearly stepping into his role as a global statesman, while Harry and Meghan are focused on their own narrative. These differences are becoming more pronounced and make reconciliation even more challenging,” Levin said.
Prince William’s meeting with Donald Trump at the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening has added another layer of complexity to his strained relationship with Harry and Meghan.
While the Prince of Wales’s actions may have been motivated by his royal duties, they have left the Sussexes feeling hurt, betrayed, and exposed.
As the brothers continue down increasingly divergent paths, the prospects of reconciliation appear more distant than ever.
For Harry and Meghan, this latest move by William serves as a stark reminder of the widening gap between them and the royal family they once called home.
