The Real Reason Why Kate Middleton Isn’t In Queen Elizabeth’s Documentary

Royal family fans are looking forward to an upcoming documentary giving a sneak peek look into the monarchy and the family. However, those hoping to see Kate Middleton will be forced to deal without seeing the Duchess of Cambridge, as she reportedly has no real role in the film.

The movie, “Queen of the World,” focuses on telling the story of Queen Elizabeth II’s impact during her 66-year reign. Various members of the royal family, including Princes William and Harry, and the newly-minted Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, are playing large roles in the film. However, Middleton is largely absent, though, according to People Magazine, there’s a very good reason why the Duchess of Cambridge doesn’t have a large presence.

As it turns out, a large portion of the filming took place while Middleton was out on maternity leave earlier this year, as she awaited the birth of her third child with Prince William, Prince Louis. A large element of the film centers on the meeting of the heads of government from the 53 nations of the Commonwealth --known as CHOGM. That particular meeting took place in April, and Middleton gave birth on the 23rd of that month.

“Kate was largely out of the action during the main filming,” a source told the magazine. “CHOGM was a focal point and she was due to give birth any minute then.”

However, the source also notes that Middleton isn’t entirely absent from the film. Though she doesn’t have any direct interaction with the camera, she will be seen during footage of various events she did manage to attend prior to her leave.

“There is film of events and receptions which she attended, so you do see her,” the insider added.

The news of Middleton’s reduced role comes on the heels of the news that Markle would actually have a starring role in the documentary, with a scene previously released that shows her looking at her wedding dress and veil for the first time since her wedding, as it was prepared for a new exhibition on the Royal Collection.

Markle’s role in the film may be another sign of the reportedly warm relationship she has with her in-laws, especially as her relationship with her own estranged family members continues to fall apart.

“What may surprise some is just how supportive Her Majesty has been during the problems Meghan has faced with her family,” sources previously revealed. “Meghan is in a tough place, and the queen knows It's completely out of Meghan’s hands. She has only sympathy for what’s been a difficult and distressing situation for her.”

“Queen of the World” is set to air in two parts, beginning on Sept. 25 on ITV1 in the UK and on Oct. 1 on HBO in the US.