Prince William ‘sends last-minute text’ for reunion with Harry, Meghan and Kate Middleton
For a number of years, the relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry has been strained. However, they surprised fans with a temporary truce nearly two years ago when the feuding brothers and their wives put on a united front for the public.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex notably joined the Prince and Princess of Wales to view floral tributes and interact with the public who had gathered to pay their respects following the passing of Queen Elizabeth.
Numerous theories about the unexpected walkabout were floated at the time, but it was later revealed that Prince William had sent a last-minute text to Prince Harry inviting him and Meghan to join him and Kate on the Long Walk in Windsor. This marked the first public reunion of the two couples – formerly known as the ‘Fab Four’ – since the Sussexes stepped down from their senior Royal roles and moved to the US.
During a 40-minute walkabout, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with Harry and Meghan, were seen greeting the crowd, accepting flowers and gifts like Paddington Bear stuffed toys. Both couples, dressed in black, appeared slightly anxious as they arrived together in one car before spending nearly an hour engaging with fans outside the castle grounds.
William and Kate were scheduled to meet supporters and view floral tributes when William extended a last-minute invitation to Meghan and Harry, according to a source who spoke to the Daily Mail. A well-informed source told the paper: “It happened very quickly remarkable really considering they didn’t see each other in Scotland.”
The report suggested that it was the Prince of Wales’ decision to invite his younger brother for the walkabout, and it was “absolutely not the case” that this was done under their father, the new king’s direction, contrary to previous assumptions.
A Royal insider confirmed that it was the Prince of Wales’ decision to extend the olive branch to his younger brother by inviting him for the walkabout. The paper was informed that any claims suggesting William made the move after learning Harry planned to conduct his own walkabout with a film crew were “complete b******s”.
The Prince of Wales is believed to have discussed the idea of viewing the flowers and greeting well-wishers with Harry before texting his younger brother – a gesture that was reportedly acknowledged by the Duke of Sussex. William felt that a united front was crucial during this time of national mourning, out of respect for their grandmother.
The walkabout was initially set for 4.30pm but was allegedly delayed by 45 minutes as William and Harry finalized their plans.
Both brothers flew to Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire to say their final goodbyes to their grandmother, but sadly, they both missed her passing at 3:10pm. That same day, Prince William joined King Charles for dinner at his nearby Birkhall residence, while Harry stayed at Balmoral to dine with other family members.