How ‘Competition’ Between Duke And Duchess of Cambridge, Sussex Is Prevented By Royal Aides

There have been persistent rumors that there is a major feud brewing between the houses of Cambridge and Sussex, and to avoid any conflict between the two couples, palace aides are reportedly doing everything they can in order to “avoid diary clashes” and prevent any sort of “competition.”

According to royal expert Kate Nicholl, royal courtiers are working around the clock to keep future clashes and conflicts of interest out of the way between Prince William and Kate Middleton and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, after there appeared to be a clash with their schedules in May.

The alleged conflict occurred as photos were posted on social media accounts that made some feel as if the two households were engaging in a case of one-upmanship. While Middleton and Prince William posted photos of their children at the Duchess’ garden at the Chelsea Flower Show on their account, Prince Harry and Markle celebrated their first wedding anniversary by revealing a collection of behind-the-scenes photos from their wedding day.

Now, with both households set to embark on upcoming tours in the fall, Nicholl states that it’s likely the palace aides are going to work to try and avoid clashes in each couple’s diary so their individual trips aren’t treated as a competition.

“I would expect the palace would have tried to have planned it so there wouldn’t be too many clashes as the Cambridges will be putting the spotlight on Pakistan and the Sussexes will be shining their light on Africa,” she said. “I think that’s why where courtiers can avoid diary clashes they will because they’ll be keen to avoid any sense of competition between the couples.”

However, the chances of their schedules clashing with one another seem higher since the couples split their offices. While the Cambridges are still based at Kensington Palace, the Sussexes now have their offices based at Buckingham Palace—meaning that in the back and forth, there is a higher chance of confusion. However, the goal will likely be to limit that as much as possible.

“What courtiers will be hoping is that there aren’t going to be any future clashes or conflict of interest or the chance to pit one couple against the other,” she said.