Kate Middleton received a birthday surprise from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry over the weekend.
The Duchess of Cambridge marked her 39th birthday on Saturday with a “low-key” celebration at home with Prince William and their three children.
According to Us Weekly, Kate was taken aback by gifts she received from Prince Harry and Meghan on the day, alongside a thoughtful card.
An insider told the publication: “It was a nice surprise. Kate wasn’t expecting anything from the couple.”
According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, the couples have connected in recent weeks, and they even exchanged Christmas presents.
Speaking to ET Online, the royal reporter said: “There were phone and video calls over the Christmas and New Year holiday and the Sussexes sent presents to the Cambridges and vice versa.”
“It was an opportunity in an otherwise very busy and chaotic year for both of the families to come together and connect, albeit virtually.”
The news has sparked hope the Fab Four have mended their relationship, following reports of a feud between them.
Back in August, a royal biography about Harry and Meghan claimed William and Kate ‘barely acknowledged’ them at their final royal engagement in March.
An excerpt from Finding Freedom read: “While Harry and Meghan both greeted William and Kate with smiles, the Cambridges showed little response.”
“It was the first time the two couples had seen each other since January. Although Meghan tried to make eye contact with Kate, the Duchess barely acknowledged her.”
After they stepped down as senior members of the Royal family in March 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to Los Angeles – where they live with their son Archie.
But just months after they moved, the couple sadly lost their second child, as Meghan suffered a devastating miscarriage in July.
Around that time, it’s understood William and Kate reached out to offer them their support.
In recent months, Prince William and Prince Harry have also “bonded” over the BBC’s investigation into their mother Princess Diana’s Panorama interview.
The BBC recently hired independent investigators to discover how the corporation and journalist Martin Bashir landed the scoop back in 1995 – amid claims he used unethical tactics to secure the interview.
The inquiry is being led by former Supreme Court judge Lord Dyson, and the BBC will publish a report after the investigation is complete.
In November, Prince William welcomed the investigation by releasing a statement which said: “The independent investigation is a step in the right direction.”
“It should help establish the truth behind the actions that led to the Panorama interview and subsequent decisions taken by those in the BBC at the time.”
A source later told Us Weekly: “The investigation has had a positive effect on William and Harry’s relationship.”
“William is demanding answers and is determined to get to the bottom of it and to find out the truth. For William, this particular interview is still very raw. Harry is angry about the interview and shadiness of it all, too.”
“They’ve bonded over it and are speaking more frequently on Zoom and WhatsApp,” the insider continued.
“William has come to terms with the reasons behind Harry’s decision to leave the royal family and is happy to see his brother so settled, and Harry’s come to the realization that he no longer wants a dark cloud hanging over his head.”
Princess Diana’s interview with BBC Panorama caused ructions within Royal family when it aired back in 1995.
During the interview, which was watched by 23 million people at the time, Diana referred to Camilla Parker Bowles as the “third person” in her marriage to Prince Charles.
The Princess of Wales also admitted to having an affair with British Army officer James Hewitt, and spoke openly about her battle with bulimia for the first time.
Speaking about the new investigation, director-general of the BBC Tim Davie said they are “determined to get to the truth”.
“That is why we have commissioned an independent investigation. Lord Dyson is an eminent and highly respected figure who will lead a thorough process,” he said in a statement.
