Royal split: why William and Kate removed Harry and Meghan from charity name

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have officially renamed their charity to remove Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from its title.

According to documents released by Companies House today, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s foundation is now called the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It formerly included the names of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were partners in the charity.

Hello Magazine reports that the Royal Foundation, which was established by William and Harry in 2009, was “intended to harness the star power of the popular royals”, but cracks began to appear last year after Prince Harry said “working as a family does have its challenges”, adding: “We’re stuck together for the rest of our lives.”

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This culminated in Harry and Meghan deciding in June this year to break away from the charity to set up their own, called the Sussex Royal foundation, with reports of a rift between the two couples, “first between Kate and Meghan, then between future king William and his younger brother Harry”, Metro says.

Palace sources have denied that the split in the charity was due to any kind of disagreement or rivalry, insisting it was “largely about preparing both couples for their future roles, which are obviously on divergent tracks”.

However, the Daily Mail says the latest development marks a “final step in the split between the two couples” and will “fuel rumours of a fallout of the so-called ‘fab four’”.

Royal expert Phil Dampier told the paper that the split is a “massive mistake”, adding: “It certainly brings it home that they are splitting up.”

He went on: “It makes it easier to organise, if you have the same office you won’t have diary clashes and things, but also I think they sent a powerful message as a four. Whereas this looks like they’re pitting against each other both personally and professionally.”

Hello adds that the split in their household has “already been reflected in the royals’ correspondence”, noting that when William and Kate sent thank you notes to fans who had celebrated Prince Louis’ first birthday in April, their letter was addressed from “The Office of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge” rather than “The Office of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and TRH The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex”.