In March 2024, Kate Middleton made a statement that shocked the world. She was in chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer and having abdominal surgery. Her support system during this time included her husband, Prince William, her father-in-law, her children, her parents, and her siblings. While Kate leans on her brother for support, her relationship with Pippa Middleton has always been unique. A source who spoke to The Daily Express called Pippa “something of an angel and backbone” for the Princess of Wales. She’s always there to help out when needed and provides her sister invaluable “emotional support” during this difficult journey.
But despite having Kate’s back during her illness, news has come to light that might make you do a double-take. According to rumors, the sisters may not be as close as people once thought.
A sibling rivalry between Kate and Pippa Middleton
The sisters have only an eighteen-month age difference. They’ve looked like best friends from a young age, with shared interests in piano, flute, and field hockey, all while going to the same boarding schools. When Kate temporarily split with Prince William in 2007, the two were often seen out and about, enjoying their time as single ladies.
However, one insider said that the sisters have always had a sibling rivalry that resulted from Kate being jealous of Pippa. The source said that Pippa’s natural charm and social popularity sometimes caused a rift between the two. Kate was worried that her sister would overshadow her, and although they have a close relationship, it can sometimes take on a sinister tone since the source says there’s “always a real sense of rivalry between them.”
Pippa upstaged Kate at the royal wedding
When Kate Middleton got married, Pippa was two steps behind Kate, providing support as always. This time, it was literal, and all eyes were on Pippa’s rear end at Kate’s 2011 nuptials. Although Kate was meant to be the center of attention, her sister Pippa stole the spotlight when she wore a figure-hugging dress that even Pippa joked “fitted a little too well.”
Kate didn’t find the mishap as hilarious, and a source said that it was the start of a “quiet war” since the royal family wasn’t impressed with Pippa’s “over-the-top behaviour” at Westminster Abbey, which dominated the headlines.
