Rift deepens between the Sussexes and Cambridges as they split households

The division between the Sussexes and Cambridges is set to expand as they face persistent rumours of a rift.

Princes William and Harry are to split their household within the next few weeks in a shock move.

The division is believed to have been brought forward amid fallout from Meghan’s pals defending her in a US magazine.

Palace officials were said to be unaware of the article in advance. It supported her handling of her father Thomas Markle.

The brothers are expected to create separate courts before the birth of Harry and Meghan’s first child this spring.

The siblings have held meetings in recent weeks to finalise arrangements.

The household split signals a shift in the professional relationship between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. Picture: AP Photo/Frank Augstein

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A source close to them, said: “Now they have their own families, they no longer rely on each other as before. They have be- come different people with different outlooks on life.”

Last year The Sun revealed how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be leaving Kensington Palace and moving into Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Castle estate.

A royal source told The Sunday Times last night: “William and Harry are working to make sure the Sussexes have an office that can support their family when they move to Frogmore this spring.

“This work has been under way since before last year’s wedding.”

Another source told the paper: “When William becomes the Prince of Wales, he will take on a lot of extra responsibility, including the Duchy of Cornwall.

“Harry and Meghan have none of that, and seem ambitious about forging their own paths.

“If you have one private office trying to manage both, things get difficult.”

The royals have been plagued by rumours of a rift for months. Picture: Eddie Mulholland — WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince Charles has reportedly insisted that the split happen at no extra cost to him. Picture: Stephen Pond/Getty Images

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William, 36, and Harry, 34, have faced rumours that wives Kate and Meghan, both 37, don’t get on.

Courtiers for the brothers — who have been working together for ten years — will take on separate roles for them.

Prince Charles, who pays for his sons’ household and official work from the Duchy of Cornwall, is said to have insisted the split be at no added cost.

This story first appeared on The Sun and has been republished here with permission.