SECRET LIFE INSIDE THE PALACE
What really happens behind the gilded gates when Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle let loose
The royals are all about protocol and propriety. So when Prince William and Kate Middleton get together with Prince Harry and his bride-to-be, Meghan Markle, during the day, it’s often for traditional tea and scones, says a royals insider, or to walk their dogs on the grounds of London’s Kensington Palace, where both couples live.
But once the sun goes down, it’s a whole different story. Behind the palace walls and out of sight of the older generation of royals, the Fab Four — as the British press has dubbed
them — let loose. William, 35, Harry, 33, and Kate and Meghan, both 36, love the chance to get together and relax, the insider exclusively tells Life & Style — cooking, gossiping, drinking, discussing the future of the monarchy and more. “They’ve turned Kensington Palace into a party palace,” says the insider. “They see their gettogethers as a time where they can all switch off and be themselves without the rest of the royal family and public judging them.”
TALKING ALL NIGHT
One of the main topics of gossip: Camilla Parker Bowles, 70, the wife of
Harry and William’s dad, Prince Charles, 69. “William and Harry are fond of Camilla but can’t help themselves when it comes to making lighthearted jokes about their stepmother and her failed attempts to take over the throne,” the insider says. “They’ll also spend hours discussing everything from Harry and Meghan’s upcoming wedding to how to modernize the monarchy.”
ON THE MENU
They have plenty of wine and beer to loosen their tongues. ( Though pregnant Kate, who’s due in April, can’t imbibe at the moment, “she can’t wait to enjoy a glass of champagne again,” notes the insider.) Evenings often start at William and Kate’s apartment, where Meghan takes over the kitchen. “She’s a great chef and is learning to cook traditional Brit-
ish food such as shepherd’s pie, Sunday roast and fish and chips,” the insider says. “She’ll often whip up a feast for everyone to enjoy.” If it’s getting late, they all head to Nottingham Cottage, where Harry and Meghan live. “It’s separate from the main palace buildings so they can be as loud as they want,” the insider notes.
Though he’s settling down, he’s still Prince Harry. “He’s set up a minibar in his home,” the insider says. “He’ll make tequila shots and blasts out his favorite Coldplay tunes. Harry is still the life and soul of the party!”
The Fab Four are thrilled they have each other and insist nothing will change after Harry and Meghan marry in May. “Harry can’t wait for the summer to arrive,” the insider says, “so that he can grill burgers and lobster on the barbecue for them all to enjoy in the sunshine.”