The Prince and Princess of Wales have maintained a relatively private, controversy-free relationship in public—at least by royal standards. Behind the scenes, however, insiders claim the couple does not always agree. One alleged source says Prince William and Kate Middleton are divided over how the royal family should respond to the arrest of Thomas Markle Sr., particularly now that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are back in the United Kingdom.
Thomas Markle Sr., Meghan Markle’s father, has been arrested
FBI agents arrested 82-year-old Thomas Markle Sr. on November 6 at an assisted living facility in Lakeland, Florida. He faces one count of possessing child abuse material. The case follows an investigation in the Philippines. Markle had relocated there from Mexico but returned to the United States because of health problems before the investigation began.
His son, Thomas Markle Jr.—Meghan’s half-brother—reportedly discovered illegal material at his father’s former property in the Philippines and notified local police and the FBI. Similar content was allegedly found in a storage unit Markle Sr. had rented in Mexico.
After the arrest became public, Meghan released a statement saying she was “deeply distressed” and that her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed. She added that, in 2018, she learned of a letter containing disturbing allegations about her father and was told the matter was under investigation. Meghan and Thomas Markle Sr. have been estranged ever since. Buckingham Palace has not issued a comment.
Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly disagree over the Thomas Markle Sr. arrest
An unnamed source quoted by Closer Magazine claimed Kate disagrees with the palace’s decision to remain silent. According to the source, she believes the lack of a response is a mistake and feels “desperately sorry for Meghan,” particularly because Meghan is raising two young children.
The source also alleged that Kate’s position has created tension between the couple. She reportedly believes William is being “too hard” on his sister-in-law and fears that the royal family could appear “heartless” if it says nothing at all.
William, by contrast, is said to favor keeping his distance. The insider claimed that although he feels terrible about the allegations, he does not believe the royal family should become involved and is concerned about the potential consequences. That position would be consistent with his approach to Harry and Meghan in recent years. While Kate may previously have supported that strategy, the seriousness of the allegations has reportedly prompted her to reconsider.
The disagreement has allegedly led to arguments and strained exchanges, with the couple yet to settle on a response. They are reportedly attempting to find a compromise.
Royal commentator Rob Shuter made a similar claim in a separate report, saying William and Kate regard the matter as a Markle family issue rather than a Windsor family concern. Neither royal has addressed the reports publicly.
The strained relationship between the princes continues
Although some critics may find the silence surprising, it is unlikely to shock those who have followed the royal family’s tensions over the past five years. William and Harry have remained estranged, and Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare, exposed the depth of their conflict. In the book, Harry claimed a 2019 dispute about Meghan became physical, alleging that William grabbed him by the collar and knocked him to the floor. He also wrote that William described Meghan as “difficult,” “abrasive,” and “rude.”
Subsequent interviews and media projects have done little to repair the brothers’ relationship. Meghan and Kate have also reportedly experienced friction. The sisters-in-law were said to have clashed before Meghan and Harry’s royal wedding, and their relationship has remained distant ever since.
Against that backdrop, any public statement would represent a significant shift. Whether Kate’s reported call for compassion prevails remains uncertain. For now, Kensington Palace has chosen to remain silent.