KATE Middleton could act as peacemaker for William and Harry when they meet at Prince Philip’s funeral, it has been reported.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, “will be hoping to sooth tensions” as the brothers reunite for the first time in over a year, a source has said.
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The siblings are understood to have spoken over the phone since Harry landed in the UK on Sunday but will most likely only see each other in the flesh on Saturday morning before the 3pm ceremony at Windsor Castle.
It will be their first face-to-face meeting in over a year and comes after Harry said in his bombshell Oprah interview that William was “trapped” in the monarchy – adding their relationship was currently one of “space”.
But Kate, who Harry described as the “big sister I never had” when she became engaged to William in 2010, will help broker the peace between her husband and brother-in-law, The Telegraph reports.
According to one source, “being so close to her own siblings, Pippa and James, and having witnessed first-hand the special bond between William and Harry, she has found the whole situation difficult and upsetting”.
The source added: “She is certainly someone who shies away from conflict, and will be hoping to sooth the tensions.”
The Duchess reportedly believes it “incredibly sad” that William and Harry are not on better terms.
And with pregnant Meghan unable to attend the funeral on doctors’ advice, it is hoped Kate could be the one to bring the brothers together.
The Duchess of Cambridge was said to be “hopeful of a reconciliation” with Harry and Meghan before their explosive Oprah chat and reportedly told friends she did not think it was too late to “pull them back in”.
But tensions grew again when the couple made a series of shocking allegations during the interview – most damagingly of all that an unnamed member of the Royal Family had made a racist comment about the colour of son Archie’s skin.
It’s understood the Royal Family were left deeply upset by the allegations – while the Duke of Edinburgh reportedly said it was “madness” and warned “no good would come of it”.
Sources close to both William and Harry insist the brothers will put their differences aside as they remember the Duke of Edinburgh, who died on Friday, aged 99.
The Duke of Sussex is in strict quarantine at his Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, after dashing back from LA in the hours after Prince Philip’s death.
He must remain at the property for five full days of isolation, and provide a negative Covid test.
Meanwhile, William and Kate are with their children at their home in Norfolk for the Easter break.
It means the likelihood that the pair will have a chance to meet before the funeral is slim.
The Duchess of Sussex was advised not to travel for the funeral, although it’s also been suggested that she stayed home as she “didn’t want to be the centre of attention”.
And she has reportedly encouraged her husband and his family to “put their differences aside”.
A pal said: “Meghan said her main concern right now is supporting Harry. She said she left it up to him as to whether or not she would attend the funeral.
“Meghan said it’s during these times when family should come together, put their differences aside and unite as one.
“She said this is what Prince Philip would want and that she’s willing to forgive and move forward.”
They added: “Meghan said this is the opportune time for Harry to mend his relationship with his brother and his dad.”
