07 April 2023 , 17:54
885
0
The Windsor walkabout that saw Prince William, Kate, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle come together to watch tributes and greet well-wishers following the Queen's death last September was "an illusion", a royal author has claimed.
In his new book Our King, royal correspondent Robert Jobson said that despite the Sussexes joining Kate and William in what looked like some sort of reconciliation, he was told by sources close to the Royal Family that it was just "an illusion".
During the walkabout, the "Fab Four" thanked well-wishers who had travelled to pay their respects.
A royal source claimed Prince William decided to put months of tension and upset with his brother Harry aside by offering an olive branch to show "unity".
They met members of the public at Windsor Castle (PA)Speaking after the walkabout, a royal source said: "The Prince of Wales thought it was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family."
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'
While the Sussexes' biographer Omid Scobie tweeted that William had made the decision "in the eleventh hour".
There appeared to be some initial awkwardness, but they all started to interact and William pointed something out to the other three.
In his book, serialised in The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday this weekend, Mr Jobson wrote: "Catherine later admitted to a senior royal that, such was the ill feeling between the two couples, the joint walkabout was one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do."
He also revealed that the late Queen was mystified at Harry and Meghan's public criticism of the monarchy, describing their behaviour as "quite mad".
The 'Fab Four' looking at floral tributes before meeting well-wishers (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)The author also claimed that following the Sussexes' Oprah Winfrey interview in March 2021, King Charles and William no longer wanted to be alone with Harry again and would no longer trust him as a member of the family.
The new claims came as Harry and Meghan were said to be "on the brink" of revealing whether they will attend King Charles' Coronation.
There is less than a month to go before the historic event at Westminster Abbey, and it's still not clear whether the Sussexes will be attending or not.
It is believed they have still not told Buckingham Palace what their plans are, despite the deadlines for RSVPs reportedly passing earlier this week.
A source said the joint walkabout was 'an illusion' (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)It is said to have been causing Coronation organisers a headache when it comes to seating plans within the Abbey, as well as transport and security.
However, according to The Times, the Sussexes are set to reveal their intentions "within days" - especially now US President Joe Biden has stated his plans.
Kate rules out receiving romantic gift from Prince William on Valentine's Day
It was confirmed earlier this week he would not be attending the Coronation, but his wife First Lady Jill Biden would be coming.
And a source told the publication: "I hear they are going to confirm their plans soon, particularly now that Biden has."