In a revealing exploration of the intricate dynamics within the British royal family, new details have emerged suggesting that disparities in living arrangements may have been a catalyst for tensions between the Sussexes and the Waleses. Royal commentator Robert Jobson, in his recent biography "Catherine, Princess of Wales," sheds light on how Meghan Markle's initial impressions of the royal residences potentially sowed the seeds of discord between the two couples.
When Prince Harry began his relationship with American actress Meghan Markle, the couple took up residence in Nottingham Cottage, a modest two-bedroom property on the grounds of Kensington Palace. The Duke of Sussex, in his memoir "Spare," candidly admitted to feeling embarrassed about his living quarters. "I was excited to welcome Meg to my home, but also embarrassed. Nott Cott was no palace," Harry wrote, adding, "Nott Cott was palace adjacent - that was the best you could say for it."
This sentiment of embarrassment was further amplified when the Sussexes visited Prince William and Princess Kate at their residence, Apartment 1A, a spacious 20-room house within the main building of Kensington Palace. Harry described the contrast between their homes, referring to William and Kate's space as "museum-like," highlighting the stark difference in their living situations.
Jobson's biography quotes a close source who provides insight into Meghan's reaction to this disparity: "I am not saying Meghan was jealous, but she was surprised how lavishly Harry's brother was living compared to where they were living. It was perhaps the beginning of all the tensions between the couples."
The commentator goes on to suggest that while Meghan understood William's position as heir to the throne, she felt that Harry, as a royal prince, deserved more than what he had. This perception of inequality appears to have been a contributing factor to the growing rift between the two couples.
The housing situation evolved over time, with Harry and Meghan moving to Frogmore Cottage, a more substantial 10-bedroom property in Windsor, before the birth of their son, Prince Archie, in 2019. However, this upgrade did not prevent the couple's eventual decision to step back from their roles as senior royals in January 2020.
By the summer of that year, the Sussexes had relocated to Montecito, California, marking a significant departure from royal life and the associated living arrangements. The move to a sprawling estate in the United States represented not just a change in residence, but a fundamental shift in lifestyle and royal responsibilities.
The revelations about the impact of living arrangements on interpersonal dynamics within the royal family offer a unique perspective on the factors that may have contributed to the well-publicized tensions between the Sussexes and the Waleses. It underscores how seemingly mundane aspects of royal life, such as housing allocations, can have far-reaching consequences on relationships and perceptions within the monarchy.