Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, reportedly only learned of their sister-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer news along with the rest of the world.
Kate, who has been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, reportedly chose not to tell her estranged relatives because they “can’t be trusted”.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Princess of Wales announces cancer diagnosis.
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An insider close to the Sussex couple claimed they were surprised by the video message Kate released to the world in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“They had no idea and only learned of the news around the same time the rest of the world found out,” the Sussex source told the New York Post.
After the news became public, Harry and Meghan responded swiftly, releasing a short statement: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams claimed Prince William and Kate did not provide a heads-up to the Sussexes because they “can’t be trusted”.
“There’s a deep rift between the brothers — that we know,” he told The Sun.
“We also know that they haven’t apparently spoken in many months and the reason, of course, is that for some four years they (the Sussexes) have caused endless problems to the royal family and so they can’t be trusted.
“William hasn’t trusted Harry and Megan and, I mean, with good reason.
“We know with Oprah, the Harry and Megan programme for Netflix, Spare and then with the interviews surrounding his book.”
Royal author Phil Dampier reported Harry and Meghan were at the very bottom of the Wales’ priority list when it came to Kate’s health news.
“The Sussexes weren’t told about it because the relationship between William and Harry is at an all-time low,” he told The Sun.
As Kate stated in her video address, the top priority was their three children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8 and Prince Louis, 6.
“William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she said.
She and William had wanted privacy about the cancer until their children began their school holidays, which started on Friday.
“It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment,” Kate said.
“But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.
“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.”
