In early 2024, as the world speculated about the Princess of Wales’s health, reports revealed a stark reality behind the palace walls: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were deliberately left out of details about Kate Middleton’s surgery and recovery. A family source told People at the time: “They are aware of everything that goes on back in England, but are being left out of any details regarding Kate. There is clearly no trust.”
More than two years later, that lack of trust remains firmly in place — even as Kate has made a remarkable recovery.
What Happened in 2024
Kate underwent a planned abdominal procedure in January 2024 and spent nearly two weeks in hospital. Kensington Palace said she would return to public duties after Easter, but the finer details stayed tightly controlled.
A source close to the royal household described the situation as “terribly sad,” noting that it would normally be expected for Harry to visit his sister-in-law and see his niece and nephews. That did not happen. Royal expert Tom Quinn observed that any contact between Meghan and Kate at the time was “formal rather than sisterly,” adding that “there is always the problem that Meghan can’t be trusted.”
The 2021 Oprah interview and Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare had already deeply damaged relations. The surgery episode only underlined how far the two couples had drifted.
Update: Kate’s Cancer Journey and Strong Recovery
What began as abdominal surgery led to a far more serious diagnosis. In March 2024, Kate announced she had cancer. She completed chemotherapy in September 2024 and revealed in January 2025 that she was in remission.
By mid-2026, the Princess of Wales has fully resumed her public role. In May 2026 she made her first overseas work trip since the diagnosis, visiting Italy. In late June 2026 she completed the gruelling National Three Peaks Challenge — climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours — to raise funds and awareness for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the hospital where she received treatment.
Kate has spoken openly about the lasting impact of the disease, saying cancer “changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life.” Prince William has described her as being in “good form.” She continues to focus on recovery, family, and giving back.
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The Rift Has Not Healed
Despite Kate’s recovery and King Charles’s more open approach toward Harry, the relationship between the Waleses and the Sussexes remains frozen.
William and Harry are not believed to have spoken since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022. Sources say William still views the Sussexes’ past revelations as an unforgivable breach of trust and is not interested in reconciliation. Kate is said to respect her husband’s position, even though she would like the cousins to have a relationship.
Harry has expressed a desire to rebuild bridges and has made efforts to visit the UK with Meghan and their children. Meghan reportedly supports peace but only if it involves mutual accountability rather than Harry making all the concessions. King Charles has extended invitations and shown willingness to reconnect, which has reportedly irritated William.
As of August 2026, there is still no sign of a meeting between William, Kate, Harry and Meghan. The “no trust” dynamic that kept the Sussexes in the dark about Kate’s surgery in 2024 continues to define the family divide today.
What started as a private health crisis exposed a deeper fracture that time, recovery, and even shared family milestones have not yet repaired.