In what royal insiders are calling a surprising yet strategic move, Meghan Markle is reportedly taking steps to repair her strained relationship with Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, ahead of her much-anticipated return to the United Kingdom.
According to Radar Online, the Duchess of Sussex has instructed her team to reach out to Kate’s office to arrange a private discussion before she and Prince Harry make their first official visit to the UK since 2022.
‘Project Thaw’: Meghan’s Attempt to Reconnect
A palace source revealed that Meghan views the meeting as an important step toward reconciliation—not only with Kate but with the royal family at large.
“Meghan has asked her people to reach out to Kate and organize a call. She hopes this will be the first step towards reconciliation,” the insider said.
Royal correspondent Richard Eden described the effort as part of Meghan’s so-called “Project Thaw” — a personal initiative aimed at easing long-standing tensions and “warming up” her and Prince Harry’s frosty relationship with the royal family and the British public.
“It’s known as Project Thaw because the aim is to ‘warm up’ the duke and duchess’ frosty relationships with the rest of the royal family and with the British people,” Eden explained.
Return to the UK Before Christmas
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting Meghan would not return to the UK, a source confirmed that plans for a Sussex visit are underway and likely to occur before Christmas.
“By all accounts, the trip is happening—it’s just a matter of finalizing the timing,” the source revealed.
The Duchess, however, is said to be nervous about her return. “Obviously, Meghan’s anxious about it. She knows all eyes will be on her the minute she lands,” said the insider.
The source added that Meghan believes repairing her relationship with Kate could be key to changing public perception:
“She’s desperate to get ahead of the narrative, and she knows getting Kate on board would massively help. If the public sees she’s making a genuine effort to heal old wounds—and they see Kate accepting her back—it’s bound to soften their feelings toward her.”
Royal Experts React
Royal analysts have described this as Meghan’s most significant public relations move since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
If successful, the meeting could mark the beginning of a slow but meaningful reconciliation between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family—especially amid King Charles III’s health concerns and growing calls for unity within the monarchy.
