Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 'secret gift' for niece Princess Lilibet ‘revealed’
Princess Lilibet Diana was born to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in June 2021
Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly sent a private “gift and a card” to their niece, Princess Lilibet, following her birth.
According to royal author Russell Myers in his new book William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, the Prince and Princess of Wales extended what was described as a quiet olive branch when Lilibet was born in California on June 4, 2021.
As reported by HELLO!, Myers writes: “William and Catherine sent a gift and a card of congratulations. Although that would be the extent of their contact.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton sent ‘gift’ to Princess Lilibet
Lilibet’s arrival came just over a year after Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the United States. This move deepened the alleged rift between the brothers.
The book claims that while the Waleses made the gesture privately, communication between the two households remained minimal.
One former courtier tells Myers that after William and Harry reunited to unveil a statue of their late mother, Diana Princess of Wales, at Kensington Palace on what would have been her 60th birthday, all discussion of “the other side” was effectively banned.
The unveiling in July 2021 marked a rare moment of unity, as the brothers released a joint statement.
According to the book, William later “made up his mind” that he no longer recognised his brother and that trust had broken down.
Royal author Robert Jobson previously told HELLO! that although William and Harry have at times been in the same country, emotionally they remain distant.
“It’s like they’re worlds apart,” he said. “William and Kate are the embodiment of the future of the monarchy, while Harry looks trapped in the past.”
He added: “William is building a future and he no longer needs Harry’s drama. Reconciliation needs compromise. But it mostly needs trust, and there is no trust between the brothers.”
Princess Lilibet’s relationship with the royal family
Lilibet has spent her early childhood in California, far from the royal residences her father once called home. It has never been officially confirmed whether the Prince and Princess of Wales, or their children, have met her in person.
Just days after Lilibet’s birth, Kate was asked by a journalist whether she had FaceTimed her newborn niece.
“No, I haven’t. No,” she replied with a smile, before adding warmly: “I wish her all the very best. I can’t wait to meet her.”
Harry and Meghan returned to the UK in June 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations, bringing Archie and Lilibet with them.
A small birthday gathering for Lilibet reportedly took place during the trip. However, William and Kate were in Cardiff on official duties at the time.
In 2024, royal correspondent Danielle Stacey noted that it has “never been officially confirmed” whether the Waleses have met Lilibet.
Meanwhile, Harry is said to be hopeful that 2026 could mark a turning point in family relations.
According to friends of the Duke of Sussex, he is “desperate” for his children to have a relationship with their grandfather, King Charles.
“Harry has made it clear that he would love his dad to come and visit him and the family,” a source told The Sun. “He knows that they are strained. But he has mentioned several times a hope that his father can have a relationship with his grandchildren.”
Read more: Prince William’s ‘two-word expletive’ when Harry first told him about Meghan Markle romance
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Kensington Palace for comment.
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