Source Explains Why Kate Middleton And Prince William Missed Lilibet's 1st Birthday

Taylor Sakellis
kate middleton, prince william and their children on the balcony at buckingham palace
Getty Images | Mark Cuthbert

It's no secret there has been a bit of a strain in the Royal family recently, so when rumors were swirling earlier this week with speculation as to why Prince William and Kate Middleton didn't make it to their niece Lilibet Diana's first birthday celebration, I was all ears.

Nevertheless, it breaks my heart to know the devastation that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle went through just to get a slice of peace and how it seemingly still affects the family several years later.

Just so we're clear — I love and adore Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

meghan markle smiles at prince harry
Giphy | euronews

I think they should go down in history as an ultimate power couple — right up there with the likes of Beyonce and Jay-Z, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Victoria, and David Beckham, and, of course, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.

There is nothing more powerful than putting love first, and that's exactly what Prince Harry did.

These days, the California-based couple is living a much more private life without the non-stop criticism from the British tabloids, who seemed to only ever find flaws with Meghan.

Sadly, it's been speculated that the pair stepping down from their senior Royal title has caused a strain on Prince William and Prince Harry's relationship.

prince harry and prince william waving at the crowd
Giphy | BBC

According to several sources, the brothers have been struggling to regain their closeness following Meghan and Harry's exit in 2020.

According to a source who spoke to Page Six, Prince William is reportedly feeling hesitant about spending alone time with his brother.

As you may recall, many speculations about the Cambridges were spread after Harry and Meghan's emotional tell-all interview with Oprah last year.

"Things are still fraught," the UK-based source told the publication earlier this week.

"William is still wary of spending any time alone with Harry as you never quite know what may be reported back afterwards."

It just breaks your heart, doesn't it?

Recently, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated their daughter Lilibet Diana's 1st birthday.

Coincidentally, Lilibet's birthday fell right in the middle of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee festivities, however, HM did take time out of her busy schedule to celebrate with her great-granddaughter.

It was soon reported that despite Her Majesty being in attendance, Prince Harry's brother and sister-in-law were not.

kate middleton and prince william standing on buckingham palace balcony
Getty Images | Mark Cuthbert

As reported by The Daily Mail, William and Kate were in Cardiff meeting performers and crew involved in the special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert.

Hmmmm, interesting!

Despite the speculation, however, a source is claiming the pair missing the event is due to a case of bad timing, and nothing more.

wendy williams sipping on a mug of tea
Giphy

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the source said: "It's simply a coincidence they fell on the same day. There was no intended slight."

As for when we will see these two families hanging out together again, Royal expert Russell Myers isn't too sure.

According to OK!, Russell revealed on TV show Lorraine that he didn't imagine Meghan and Harry would come back to the UK in the "near future," while indicating that was still "raw" emotions for everyone involved.