Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may need to pick their moment when it comes to rebuilding a relationship with the Royal Family, as 2024 has already been a tumultuous year for them.
With King Charles and Princess Kate both facing cancer diagnoses and rounds of treatment, Queen Camilla and Prince William have been under increased strain.
A source exclusively told Express.co.uk that while Harry is more willing to leave things in the past, Meghan would still like to talk things through with the Firm.
They said: “Harry is more willing to move on, let’s just say that. It’s not a case of Meghan being difficult, she genuinely feels hurt and would like some kind of sit down to hash things through – but that’s not something the other side is willing to consider at this time.”
It is understood that the Sussexes reached out to Kate privately upon learning of her condition in March, as well as publicly posting a message of support.
They said at the time via a public statement: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from the Firm in 2020, and since their departure the pool of working royals has only gotten smaller.
William and Kate, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are now the only working members of the Royal Family under the age of 70, but Harry and Meghan are not likely to be welcomed back anytime soon.
The source explained: “Harry and Meghan are expecting an apology and so are senior members of the Royal Family. It’s got to the point now where both sides can’t see where they’ve gone wrong and there’s no meeting in the middle. It’s a stalemate.“
The Sussexes and the rest of the royals have been estranged since the former’s move to the US, where they are raising their young children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The two youngsters have little contact with their extended family across the pond, something which has been a great source of sadness for King Charles.
Royal commentator and author Tom Quinn even discussed the King’s potential plans to travel to California to spend more time with his family.
He told The Mirror: “Charles has had discussions about an official visit to the United States at some time in the future, and there is no doubt if it goes ahead he would build in time to visit his youngest son and his grandchildren, but there are mountains of planning to be overcome before that becomes even a remote possibility.
“He is desperate to see them and hates the idea that Archie and Lili will not remember him as the warm friendly grandfather he wants to be.”