Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Royal Roles in Jeopardy as Prince William and Kate Middleton Build Their Future Team
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be losing their place in the royal family’s future as Prince William and Kate Middleton look to other relatives for support. Peter Phillips’ new wife, Harriet Phillips, has recently spoken about turning to Middleton for advice.
According to People, Harriet spoke warmly about Middleton. “I can look to Catherine for advice and guidance. She’s very open-hearted, and I would always feel comfortable asking her if I needed advice about something,” she said. Harriet also recalled meeting William and Middleton during a family holiday in the Isles of Scilly.
She continued, “I’ve had an incredible experience being welcomed in.” The children were all jumping into the water together. She added, “It was very casual but there is a clear level of respect there.” She also spoke about meeting Charles and Camilla at Royal Ascot in 2024.
Harriet said it was “so lovely and relaxed” and that there was lots of laughter. She noted, “Both the King and the Queen have been so welcoming to me and Georgina. I can’t thank them both enough.” Harriet also remembered meeting Anne at Gatcombe Park. They sat in the garden and had cups of tea.
She stated, “It couldn’t have been nicer and was very similar to when Peter met my family.” Harriet also praised Anne’s work ethic and her support for local charities. Harriet spent 24 years as an NHS nurse. She is now a patron of Home-Start Cotswolds, which offers practical, non-judgmental support to families.
She has spoken about raising Georgina as a single mother. Harry and Markle once had a big role in the royal family. They married in May 2018 and carried out official royal duties. But things changed when they stepped down and moved to the U.S. Things remained tense after their interviews, Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s memoir, Spare.
In September 2026, a letter sent on King Charles’ behalf described Harry and Markle as “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.” A source close to the couple said Harry and Markle preferred to be called “public figures.”
According to Express UK, William and Middleton have plenty of family support around them. Zara and Mike Tindall are among those they can turn to. Neither is a working royal. Zara, Princess Anne’s daughter, won individual gold at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. She also took team silver at the 2012 London Olympics.
Mike played rugby for England and was part of the team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, also continue to carry out royal duties. Their son, James, Earl of Wessex, is studying rural land and property management.
He joined the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester after finishing his A-levels at Radley College. His sister, Lady Louise Windsor, graduated from the University of St Andrews in July 2026. She earned an English degree and is now taking a gap year. Peter Phillips, Princess Anne’s son, has also started a new chapter.
He married former NHS nurse Harriet on June 6, 2026. They tied the knot at All Saints Church in Kemble, Gloucestershire. The two met in 2022 through their daughters’ hockey team. They announced their engagement in August 2025.
