Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had “no idea” of Kate’s cancer diagnosis until the news broke, a source has claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly learned of the news at the same time as everyone else, in yet more evidence suggesting “trust has been broken” within the Royal Family, according to one source.

The future queen began a course of “preventative chemotherapy” late in February, but is said to have a positive mindset for her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as “well and getting stronger every day”.

Announcing the news in a video message, the princess praised her husband Prince William for his love and support, saying: “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too.

As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
Read more: What type of cancer does Princess Kate have as she confirms chemotherapy treatment

Catherine’s cancer diagnosis was the reason William missed the memorial service for his late godfather, King Constantine of Greece, last month. Harry and Meghan wished the Princess of Wales and her family “health and healing”, adding they hoped the Princess would be “able to do so privately and in peace”.

But an insider said the Sussexes were not informed about the diagnosis before it was made public, as they told the New York Post: “They had no idea and only learned of the news around the same time the rest of the world found out. This goes to show the irreparable damage they have caused.”

“The trust has been broken and the royal family is OK distancing themselves from them.”

Last month, Harry returned to the UK after making an emergency dash from the US to see the King following his cancer diagnosis. The Duke cleared his diary and made the journey alone, with Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet remaining at home in California.

But there was no reconciliation between Harry and his brother the Prince of Wales during the visit, after the Duke spent around 45 minutes at Clarence House seeing Charles. He last appeared alongside the Windsors and the Waleses at the King’s coronation, but hurried home immediately afterwards to mark his son’s fourth birthday.

Since stepping down as working royals in 2020 and moving to California with their family, the Sussexes have aired allegations and grievances against the monarchy and members of Harry’s family. The Duke’s allegations against his family appeared unrelenting in the aftermath of Megxit with his Oprah interview, and, in the months following the Queen’s death, his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare.

There were accusations of racism in relation to Archie’s skin tone before he was born – with the remarks in the end alleged to have come from two senior royals – and claims Kensington Palace lied to protect William over reports he allegedly bullied Harry out of the royal family.

The Duke also accused William of physically attacking him and throwing him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan, teasing him about his panic attacks, and, along with Kate, encouraging him to wear a Nazi uniform at a fancy dress party. While Charles and Harry were said to still speak, William has reportedly not been in contact with his brother for an extended period of time.