Despite tensions, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be desperate to arrange a visit to the UK in the coming months, so that the Queen can finally meet her namesake great-grandchild, Lilibet.
WATCH: Prince Edward congratulates Prince Harry on the birth of Lilibet
Even though Harry and Meghan’s homecoming has “shocked” Buckingham Palace staff, the Duchess of Cambridge is said to be jumping for joy over the family reunion. In particular, Kate is thrilled she’ll finally get to meet her niece in person, after reportedly only being introduced to her via FaceTime following her birth on June 4.
“Kate has not given up on her mission to reunite Harry and William, even as the hurdles get higher,” tells a source. “The duchess is the only one who has been able to get Harry on the phone – he’s not taking anyone else’s calls.”
Kate, 39, is already a doting aunt to her sister Pippa’s two children, Arthur and Grace, and would love to have a similar presence in the lives of Lilibet and her older brother, Archie, 2. She also wants her own children, Prince George, 8, Princess Charlotte, 6, and Prince Louis, 3, to form close friendships with their Montecito-based Sussex cousins.
“It hurts her heart that she doesn’t have the same close bonds with Archie and Lili,” explains the insider. “Kate feels if she can bring the kids together, then it will naturally follow that Harry and William can mend their own relationship.”
Indeed, it is Kate who has been instrumental in the tides starting to turn between Harry, and Princes Charles and William. Both have understandably been miffed by the Sussexes never-ending criticism of the family.
While Harry, who turns 37 this week, and Meghan, 40, might have hoped a visit would be on the cards in coming weeks, our insider says it’s likely that the visit will happen closer to Christmas.
“Harry has been wanting to come home to introduce his daughter to his grandmother, so Kate’s hinting that a festive return would kill two birds with one stone.”
WATCH: Prince Harry walks with Kate Middleton after Prince Philip’s funeral (Article continues after video)
Harry is fully aware of the current hostility that exists between him and some senior members of the royal family. Yet with his devoted sister-in-law by his side, he’s ready to face the music.
“There’s nothing like the smile of a baby to bring everyone together,” says the source, who maintains Lilibet’s presence will also bring much joy to the Queen, 95, following a trying year.
“A Christmas reunion would mean everything. Kate is working hard to pull this off and restore the love once shared.”
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