Tensions in the royal family have been growing for a long time. Here’s a look at the family split and the surprising reasons why Prince William and Princess Kate might not welcome Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back into the royal family.
The British royal family used to seem very close, with Prince William and Harry often seen as best friends. However, that image started to fall apart, especially after Harry married Meghan Markle.
While many people still hope for a reconciliation, sources close to the royals say that the chances are now more uncertain than ever. So, what are the main issues preventing a royal reunion? The answers shed light on the ongoing divide within the family.
How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Relationship with the Royal Family Frayed Over Time
The tensions between Prince Harry and the royal family, especially with his brother Prince William, have been growing for years. What began as a close bond between two brothers turned into a significant rift, made worse by personal issues, family dynamics, and public scrutiny.
By 2019, it was clear that Prince Harry’s relationship with the rest of the royal family, particularly his brother, had reached a breaking point.
This was a tough year for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they faced constant media attention, which took a heavy emotional toll on them.
Meghan shared that she felt deep emotional distress because of the ongoing criticism from British tabloids, which Prince Harry noted included a “race element.”
Prince Harry reflected on the trauma of losing his mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12. He expressed his fears, saying, “I worried that I could lose my wife in the same way.”
By the end of that year, it was obvious that the brothers were heading in very different directions. Tensions had escalated, and Prince Harry shared a specific incident at his Kensington Palace cottage that highlighted the growing divide between them.
Prince Harry described a heated argument in early 2019 where tensions reached a breaking point. He claimed that Prince William became so frustrated that he physically attacked him. What started as a shouting match escalated into a physical confrontation, with Prince Harry ending up on the floor, landing on a dog bowl.
For Harry, this wasn’t just a typical brotherly fight; it was also about defending his wife, as William’s anger was aimed at Meghan.
Prince Harry explained that Prince William had been influenced by his staff and the negative coverage from the tabloids about Meghan. The media’s focus on her being American, biracial, divorced, and an actress only added to the royal family’s concerns.
Harry believed that many of the stories William accepted were unfounded, but they fueled the growing tension between the two brothers.
When Prince Harry introduced Meghan to the royal family in 2016, the reaction wasn’t as positive as he had hoped. King Charles III seemed to like Meghan, but Prince William was skeptical and cautious about the new relationship.
He reportedly dismissed Meghan by calling her “an American actress.” Over time, the distance between the brothers grew. When Meghan and Prince Harry announced they would step back from royal duties in early 2020, it became clear that the rift had deepened.
Their departure shocked the public and caught Prince William off guard, increasing his frustrations. The brothers, who had once been seen as inseparable after their mother’s tragic death, were now living very different lives.
While Prince William focused on his future role as king, Prince Harry chose a new life outside the royal spotlight, putting his family’s well-being first.
In a personal moment from his 2021 memoir, “Spare,” Prince Harry shared his thoughts on his relationship with Prince William. He recalled a meeting where he noticed how much his brother had changed over the years.
Judge Judy Married Her Husband Twice — Her Inspiring Love Story
When Judge Judy Sheindlin divorced her husband, she was facing a heartbreaking situation. However, their split didn’t last, and later, she revealed the reason why she decided to remarry him.
Judge Judy Sheindlin, known for her role as a television court arbitrator and her background as a prosecutor and family court judge, is married to Jerry Sheindlin, who is also a lawyer and former judge.
Judy and her husband have always supported each other in their legal careers. When Jerry, then a New York State Supreme Court judge, was offered a spot on “The People’s Court,” he turned to his wife for advice.
In an interview, he recalled, “She is the one who told me I should do it,” adding that he wouldn’t have accepted the role if Judy had any doubts.
Despite his wife’s massive success on TV, the New York native wasn’t concerned about the competition, saying, “I think that behind every great woman there is a man. […] But I also heard a rumor that behind every great man, there is a woman.”
Jerry had just started easing out of his Supreme Court role when he began taping for “The People’s Court.” His new role, presiding over about 10 cases a day for two days a week, was much lighter compared to the 150 cases he used to manage.
Jerry and Judy’s connection has always been rooted in their shared legal careers, even from the very beginning. Their first meeting happened in a bar after Jerry had just finished defending a murder case.
He was talking to a reporter when Judy walked in, pointed a finger at him, and asked, ‘And who is this?'” Jerry recalled. His response was direct, “‘Lady, get your finger out of my face.’ We’ve been together ever since.”
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend Women’s Righs in Afghanistan Benefit Gala on March 29, 1999, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
While Jerry has enjoyed watching Judy’s television success, he humorously added, “If my show takes off and I beat her, I am contacting Hollywood immediately to remake the movie ‘Sleeping With the Enemy.'”
The couple’s relationship continued to evolve with their characteristic boldness and humor. After a year together, Judy subtly suggested marriage, but Jerry had his reservations.
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend 46th Annual Spirit of Achievement Luncheon on May 1, 2000, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“Why does the government have to dictate our relationship, it’s just a piece of paper. We’re already devoted to each other, we’re already committed to each other,” he told her.
Rather than pushing the issue, Judy simply stated that if Jerry wanted them to live together, he should ask for her father’s permission. Not wanting to face her dad, Jerry made a different choice—he set a wedding date, and the two were married in 1977.
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin attend Merv Griffin’s Coconut Club for a special performance on January 13, 2001, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Though the pair were deeply committed to each other, their relationship faced a challenge in 1990 when they divorced. The strain came after the passing of Judy’s father, Murray Blum, which left her under immense emotional stress. However, their time apart didn’t last long, as they remarried just a year later.
Jerry reflected on that difficult period, saying, “I missed her presence the very first week that we were separated. It was the first time in years that we didn’t get to see each other every single day. It was such a strange experience.”
Jerry and Judy Sheindlin pictured down Madison Ave on January 29, 2002, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Judy acknowledged that she enjoyed being married and had missed Jerry during their time apart. To her, there’s something special about sharing life as a couple and the connection that comes with marriage.
After remarrying after their divorce, Judy opened up about the brief split in a rare interview. When asked why she chose to reunite with Jerry in 1991, she explained, “That’s a long story, but the end of the story is: I found … that most men were alike.”
The public figure went on to share her thoughts about the differences between men and women. “They have basic needs that are different from women’s,” she said.
They enjoy being taken care of, receiving affection, and having their personal space. As long as they are fed, shown love, and given room to do their own thing, they tend to be content, Judy added.
Judy and Jerry Sheindlin at the Women’s Guild Cedars-Sinai’s Annual Luncheon on April 13, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
She has always been candid about the dynamics of her long-lasting marriage with Jerry. In a January 2024 interview, she offered some insight into how they’ve kept their relationship strong after nearly 50 years together.
“You don’t spend 24 hours together because that’s deadly,” she explained, highlighting the importance of personal space. Judy added, “Jerry just celebrated his 90th birthday and I still like to look at him when he walks in the room—that’s a key.”
Judy and Jerry Sheindlin pictured on December 17, 2022, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Judy, now nearing her 82nd birthday on October 21, 2024, has always stressed the value of maintaining a good appearance, especially as one ages. However, when it comes to Jerry, she doesn’t need to remind him—he’s already well aware of how to stay in shape.
“He loves himself desperately. Jerry is almost ten years older than I am, but I think his goal is to outlive me. He takes very good care of himself,” said the TV star, who once had a mini-stroke during a show taping.
Judy and Jerry’s enduring bond continues to charm fans, both on and off the screen. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she uploaded a picture of the couple, which quickly drew admiration from followers.
One person commented, “You and your husband look so good together. Love [sic] your smiles,” while another added, “You look amazing. Love your down to earth [sic], common sense judgments.”
Judy Sheindlin and Jerry Sheindlin’s long-lasting relationship highlights the power of love, mutual respect, and shared humor. After nearly five decades together, their bond remains strong, proving that true companionship can endure through all of life’s challenges.
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