A complete timeline of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's rift with Prince William and Kate Middleton

Mikhaila FrielMay 31, 2024, 20:15 IST

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Prince and Princess of Wales.Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

There have been reports of a rift between Harry and Meghan and William and Kate for years.
Harry publicly spoke about the fall-out with William in his memoir, "Spare."

Reports of a rift between Prince Harry and Meghan and Prince William and Kate first surfaced in 2018.

Prince Harry was the first to open up about the rumors, telling Tom Bradby in 2019 that he and William were "on different paths."

He has since provided more details about the rift in his memoir, "Spare," and his Netflix docuseries. William and Kate, meanwhile, have rarely spoken on the subject.

Here's a complete timeline of the fallout so far.

Reports of tension between the two couples emerged in November 2018 after Meghan and Harry announced plans to move out of London's Kensington Palace, where they resided with Kate and William.

Prince William, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Kate Middleton.Paul Grover- WPA Pool/Getty Images

Reports of tension between the two couples emerged in November 2018 after Meghan and Harry announced plans to move out of London's Kensington Palace, where they resided with Kate and William.

It was reported that Meghan and Kate argued at a bridesmaids' fitting.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their wedding day.Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images

By March 2019, the royal women were regularly pitted against each other in the media.

The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex attend Commonwealth Day 2019.Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Also in March, Harry and Meghan announced they were officially splitting their office from Kate and William.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the grounds of Kensington Palace.Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

William and Kate took eight hours to publicly acknowledge the birth of Harry and Meghan's first child.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

In May 2019, ITV royal editor Chris Ship said the "issue" was between William and Harry, and had nothing to do with their wives.

The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex greet well-wishers.Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Harry and Meghan cut ties with the charity they shared with William and Kate in June 2019.

The Sussexes and Cambridges at Westminster Abbey in London.Paul Grover/Getty Images

Meghan sat with Kate and Pippa Middleton at Wimbledon in July 2019.

Meghan attended Wimbledon with the Middleton sisters in July 2019.Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Prince Harry confirmed rumors of a rift between himself and his brother in October 2019, saying they were "on different paths."

Prince Harry speaking to journalist Tom Bradby during his Africa documentary.News channel/ITV/YouTube

Harry and Meghan attended the same Remembrance event as William and Middleton in November 2019, but they didn't appear to speak to each other.

Middleton and William (left) and Harry and Markle at the same Remembrance event in London.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince William attended the Queen's crisis summit over Harry and Markle's future after the couple announced their "step back" in January 2020.

Prince William and Her Majesty the Queen were both present to advise Prince Harry on his royal exit.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

The palace denied a report that the Sussexes had been "bullied" out of the royal family. Years later, Harry said he never gave permission for his name to be included on the statement.

The royal family together on Christmas Day 2017.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The palace denied a report that the Sussexes had been "bullied" out of the royal family. Years later, Harry said he never gave permission for his name to be included on the statement.

Harry, William, Kate and Meghan came face-to-face in March 2020 — but the reunion appeared to be awkward.

The royal family at the Commonwealth Day service in 2020, Harry and Meghan's final royal engagement.Phil Harris/Pool via AP Images

After Harry and Meghan moved to California, the brothers reportedly got back in touch.

Harry with William at his royal wedding.Owen Humphreys/WPA Pool/Getty Images

In March 2021, Meghan and Harry told Oprah that unnamed family members commented on their son Archie's skin tone before his birth.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose son with their son Archie. (Dominic Lipinski/Pool via AP, File)

Harry reunited with his family at Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021.

The royal family at Prince Philip's funeral.GARETH FULLER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Harry's memoir, "Spare," was released in January 2023, providing further insight into his rift with William.

Harry's memoir, "Spare," is pictured in a book store display.Matthew Chattle/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Harry also wrote how the brothers had no contact at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.

Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle on Saturday.Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Kate announced she had cancer in March. The Sunday Times reported that Harry and Meghan found out about it on TV with the rest of the world.

Kate Middleton said she has cancer.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

In May, William was given a new military role that could be considered a snub to Harry.

The Prince of Wales attends the 2024 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, 2024.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

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A complete timeline of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's rift with Prince William and Kate Middleton

Reports of tension between the two couples emerged in November 2018 after Meghan and Harry announced plans to move out of London's Kensington Palace, where they resided with Kate and William.

It was reported that Meghan and Kate argued at a bridesmaids' fitting.

By March 2019, the royal women were regularly pitted against each other in the media.

Also in March, Harry and Meghan announced they were officially splitting their office from Kate and William.

William and Kate took eight hours to publicly acknowledge the birth of Harry and Meghan's first child.

In May 2019, ITV royal editor Chris Ship said the "issue" was between William and Harry, and had nothing to do with their wives.

Harry and Meghan cut ties with the charity they shared with William and Kate in June 2019.

Meghan sat with Kate and Pippa Middleton at Wimbledon in July 2019.

Prince Harry confirmed rumors of a rift between himself and his brother in October 2019, saying they were "on different paths."

Harry and Meghan attended the same Remembrance event as William and Middleton in November 2019, but they didn't appear to speak to each other.

Prince William attended the Queen's crisis summit over Harry and Markle's future after the couple announced their "step back" in January 2020.

The palace denied a report that the Sussexes had been "bullied" out of the royal family. Years later, Harry said he never gave permission for his name to be included on the statement.

Harry, William, Kate and Meghan came face-to-face in March 2020 — but the reunion appeared to be awkward.

After Harry and Meghan moved to California, the brothers reportedly got back in touch.

In March 2021, Meghan and Harry told Oprah that unnamed family members commented on their son Archie's skin tone before his birth.

Harry reunited with his family at Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021.

Harry's memoir, "Spare," was released in January 2023, providing further insight into his rift with William.

Harry also wrote how the brothers had no contact at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.

Kate announced she had cancer in March. The Sunday Times reported that Harry and Meghan found out about it on TV with the rest of the world.

In May, William was given a new military role that could be considered a snub to Harry.