The Waleses and Sussexes presented a united front at Cambridge Gate on Windsor’s Long Walk just a day after the Queen's passing in September 2022. The unexpected gathering surprised the crowd as the former 'Fab Four' emerged from a black Land Rover to greet mourners.
According to royal author Robert Hardman's new book on King Charles' reign, Prince William, recognizing the potential awkwardness, orchestrated the reunion as a gesture of unity during their time of grief.
Quoting one of Prince William’s closest advisors, the book reveals, “It was very much William’s idea. He had organised it in about two hours flat. He had been giving it a lot of thought and he said: ‘I know it’s awkward but isn’t it right in the context of my grandmother’s death?’ I know he asked a couple of other people, too.”
During the 40-minute walkabout, the quartet did not interact or even exchange glances. Prince William and Kate Middleton ensured they engaged with different sections of the crowd from Harry and Meghan Markle.
Reportedly, the future Queen later confessed to a senior royal that the joint engagement was the "hardest thing she's had to do," as mentioned by royal correspondent Robert Jobson in his book, "Our King." A member of the Waleses’ team also told Hardman, “I don’t think either couple found it easy.”
