Prince Harry gushed about how his brother and sister-in-law had welcomed Meghan into the family during their engagement interview in 2017.
“William was longing to meet her and so was Catherine,” beamed Harry, flushed with excitement. “Catherine has been absolutely...”
“She’s been wonderful,” Meghan interjected, with a look of warm sincerity. “Amazing,” Harry agreed. “As has William.... fantastic support.”
A month later, on Christmas Day in Sandringham, we saw the Princes and their partners together for the first time – William and Harry striding out with Kate and Meghan between them.
That happy image convinced everyone who’d yearned for Diana’s boys to find happiness that the “Fab Four” were already firm friends.
And, like Di and Fergie before them, Kate and Meghan would become royal besties.
Well, that fairytale didn’t last long, did it?
Soon, there were rumours of feuding and rivalry, and we were all picking sides – Team Kate or Team Meg?
English rose v Hollywood actress, quiet traditionalist or outspoken feminist?
We were fascinated by the duelling duchesses – the rows, the snubs and who won in the style stakes? Because everyone loves a bitch-fight between two high-profile female friends.
Just like when Diana snubbed the Duchess of York, after Fergie claimed Di’s hand-me-down shoes had given her terrible verrucas.
But the problem with the Kate and Meghan fall-out is that they never really bonded in the first place.
That burgeoning friendship in 2017 was all a bit of a sham – and Harry and William were already heading down such different paths that their wives were destined to remain distant.
Yet, if we are to believe the pro-Sussex propaganda in new book Finding Freedom, it could all have been so very different.
If only Kate had “reached out” to Meghan so they could “bond” over their shared royal lifestyles.
If only she and William had schlepped all the way up to Oxfordshire with the three kids to visit the newlyweds in their rented cottage, as “the invite was there”.
If only Kate had asked Meghan to go shopping with her that day they were both heading out to Kensington’s swanky stores at the same time.
If only Kate had “checked in on her during her most difficult times” rather than just sending her flowers, inviting her to the Royal box at Wimbledon two years running, hosting her bridal party, having her round at Christmas, cooking her vegan meals and generally rolling out the red carpet to guide her into the royal Firm.
If only Kate had done all the things Meghan felt she ought to have done to show they were on an equal footing – even though they’re not, as Kate is a future Queen.
If only Meghan and Harry hadn’t taken umbrage at every perceived snub, slight or injustice and just got on with the job.
This score-settling book – clearly written with the couple’s blessing – reveals Harry got the hump the moment his “snobbish” brother rightly suggested he take his time in getting to know Meghan.
Because William had known Kate eight years before they wed and they’d split once before getting engaged.
Yet, when Harry ignored that advice and popped the question anyway, Kate and William reached out and welcomed her with open arms.
But that didn’t mean the two women were destined to bond and become best friends.
And by blaming Kate for all her woes, Meghan has ensured they never will be.
The Sussexes have reached the end of the road and there’s no way the Fab Four can ever be reconciled.
