Meghan Markle was visibly clinging to Prince Harry during their recent appearance with Prince William and Princess Kate, an event described as a rare moment of unity amid ongoing tensions between the royal couples. GB News presenter Ellie Costello recounted the details of this tense encounter during a segment on The Royal Record, where she spoke with Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker and Royal Editor Svar Nanan-Sen.
Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, the “Fab Four”—as the media once dubbed them—came together to greet the public and view the floral tributes at Windsor Castle. Ellie Costello, who was on the scene, described the atmosphere as unexpectedly somber and tense. “It was a complete shock to be honest with you,” she said, reflecting on the overwhelming outpouring of love for the late Queen.
The event, occurring about four or five days into the national mourning period, drew global attention as onlookers gathered behind barriers. The anticipation built as the crowd speculated who might appear. “We were thinking: ‘Maybe it’s Prince William, maybe it’s Princess Catherine’—we weren’t sure,” Ellie recalled.
As two cars pulled up, excitement turned to astonishment. “When the four of them emerged from those gates, we couldn’t believe our eyes,” Ellie said. The moment was described as poignant yet uncomfortable. Ellie noted, “It really was an awkward walkabout,” adding that the tension was palpable, particularly between Meghan and Kate.
Costello observed Meghan’s behavior closely, noting that she seemed the most insecure, frequently touching Harry for reassurance. In contrast, Kate appeared composed and focused. “Catherine looked really stoic and steadfast in what she wanted to do,” Ellie explained, highlighting the visible strain between the two women.
This public display of unity came against the backdrop of the official split of the royal households. The palace announced that Meghan and Harry had formally separated their court from Kate and William’s at Kensington Palace, establishing two distinct offices. This move was part of a long-planned transition to support the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they started their family and moved to Frogmore Cottage.
The separation was approved by both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles and was seen as a necessary step for Harry and Meghan, who were expecting their first child. The couple’s office would now be based at Buckingham Palace, further distancing them from the Cambridges. The overhaul also included significant changes in their communications staff, with Jason Knauf appointed as Senior Advisor to William and Kate, and Sara Latham, a former advisor to Hillary Clinton, taking over communications for Harry and Meghan.
Despite the palace’s official stance, the split only fueled speculation about the growing rift between the two couples. The public and media have scrutinized every interaction, particularly since Meghan and Harry’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they discussed their struggles within the royal family and their decision to step back from royal duties.
The tension was further highlighted by the contrasting public personas of the two couples. While Kate and William have maintained a steady and traditional approach to their royal duties, Harry and Meghan have embraced a more independent and sometimes controversial path. This divergence was evident during their joint appearance, where Meghan’s need for reassurance starkly contrasted with Kate’s composed demeanor.
The strained relations between the Sussexes and the Cambridges have been a subject of intense media scrutiny. Meghan and Harry’s decision to move away from Kensington Palace was seen by many as a clear indication of the underlying discord. Their new residence at Frogmore Cottage symbolizes their desire for independence and a fresh start, away from the shadow of William and Kate.