Prince William ‘stepped in’ to help Meghan and Harry during dispute with Queen

Prince William stepped in to help his sister-in-law Meghan and brother Prince Harry during a dispute with the Queen, a royal commentator has claimed.

Prince William stepped in to help his sister-in-law Meghan Markle and brother Prince Harry during a dispute with the Queen, a royal commentator has claimed.

Omid Scobie, a royal commentator for Harper's Bazaar and Good Morning America, joined The Sun’s Royal Correspondent Emily Andrews on her podcast On Heir to discuss the recent splitting of the royal households.

Earlier this month it was announced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will base their official household office at Buckingham Palace, and will have a separate communications team from the Cambridges to reflect this move, The Sun reported.

The Fab Four are splitting households. Picture: Getty

And according to Mr Scobie, despite rumours of a rift between the Sussexes and the Cambridges, it was William who stepped in to fight his younger brother’s corner when the Queen disapproved of the suggestion.

Speaking on the podcast Mr Scobie explained: “Charles and the Queen did not want the Sussexes to have their own individual households, and indeed how could they because the money has to come from somewhere.

It was Prince William who went in to bat for his little brother. Picture: AFP

“Prince Harry is not a direct heir to the throne, and only a direct heir to the throne can have their own household.

“They won’t be having their own exclusive team just for themselves and from what I understand their budget for the team wasn’t particularly big.”

He continued: “It was actually Prince William who had to step in and fight to get Harry a little bit more money to spend on building a team because he understands what this means to Harry and how much he wants to achieve and also how important Harry and Meghan are for the image, the brand and the future of the royal family.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will base their official household office at Buckingham Palace, separate from Will and Kate. Picture: AP

“As much as William is being set up for this statesmen-like role and William and Kate are the nation’s favourites, but on the global stage it is very much about the Sussexes, in their commonwealth roles, they’re very much global ambassadors for the royal family.”

Mr Scobie went on to reveal that the couple had opted for a communications officer who had a background in both UK and US PR.

Mr Scobie said: “They’ve hired Sarah Latham who is a former PR director from the British PR company Freuds which is a big PR powerhouse but also has a massive background in politics.

The Queen agreed to create a new Household for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following William’s influence. Picture: Getty

“She’s American, dual heritage, very much in line with what the couple are all about and I think it helps having someone who understands both cultures.

“We have seen that over time that difference between US and UK work culture can cause some friction in the workplace.

“But a lot of their team will be shared amongst the Duke of York, Prince Edward, Princess Anne the same communication staff that are working across the general office there will also be at their disposal too.”

The split of the two households was announced earlier this month.

In a statement released at the time Kensington Palace said: "The Queen has agreed to the creation of a new Household for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following their marriage in May last year.

The two couples are now operating under different communication teams. Picture: Getty

“The Household, which will be created with the support of The Queen and The Prince of Wales, will be established in the spring.

“This long-planned move will ensure that permanent support arrangements for The Duke and Duchess's work are in place as they start their family and move to their official residence at Frogmore Cottage."

The Sussexes and Cambridge’s currently head of communications, Jason Knauf, will remain with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the capacity of senior advisor.

Jason will be responsible for advising Prince William and Kate Middleton on their charitable initiatives — including work on the environment, mental health, and early childhood.

He will also support a review of the charitable structures that underpin their work.

Christian Jones will take over as Communications Secretary to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

This article originally appeared in The Sun and has been reproduced here with permission.