People: ‘Tensions’ among the royals? A2
So much for the displays of family unity that Prince Charles and his family offered up in cheerful group photos two weeks ago, when the heir to Queen Elizabeth II’s throne was celebrating his 70th birthday.
Kensington Palace is back to fending off reports and rumors that Meghan Markle’s arrival into the royal family has shifted power dynamics to the extent that longsimmering tensions have erupted into outright displays of pique among key players — and not just between the U.S.-born former TV actress and her more traditional English sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, but between once-close brothers William and Harry.
The latest report said the Duchess of Cambridge was “left in tears” in the lead-up to Meghan and Harry’s globally televised wedding May 19 at Windsor Castle. The Daily Mail reported Tuesday that Kate broke down after a bridesmaid dress fitting for her 3-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte.
The Daily Mail doesn’t say what caused Kate’s tears, and it doesn’t say whether Meghan had anything to do with it. The British media has long focused on signs of a feud between Kate and Meghan.
The report only noted that Prince William’s wife was “feeling quite emotional” at the time, perhaps because she had just given birth to her third child, Prince Louis, in April.
Still, the idea of serene Kate having a behind-thescenes meltdown is being thrown into the mix of stories about Meghan’s effect on how the royal family interacts and how it will operate in an official capacity going forward.
The Kate-in-tears narrative came along with the news Tuesday that the reportedly eager new royal Meghan, along with husband Harry, “upset” his cousin Princess Eugenie by not attending her and Jack Brooksbank’s evening reception following their Oct. 12 royal wedding at Windsor Castle, according to the Daily Mail and other sources.