It looks like the Royal Fab Four are officially splitting up—professionally, that is. The Sunday Times reported on Saturday that Prince Harry and Prince William are set to split their royal household very soon—as in, right before the arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s baby in the spring.
The Duke of Cambridge, a.k.a. Prince William, and the Duke of Sussex, a.k.a. Prince Harry, have shared a household for 10 years, but since they’re both married now and have different royal responsibilities, the brothers will create separate courts, offices, and staff to handle their affairs. It makes sense, honestly—that’s a lot going on for each of them, not to mention the work that Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle each do too.
Admittedly, the division comes amid rumors that Middleton and Markle have a tense relationship—but the royals’ plan to separate has reportedly been in the works since before the royal wedding in May. It makes sense: Each couple has a growing family, and it makes sense each would need their own space to carry out their duties.
“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 underway since before last year’s wedding,” a source told The Sunday Times.
Plus, Prince Will will eventually become Prince of Wales, which will make managing both royals a complicated task. “When William becomes the Prince of Wales, he will take on a lot of extra responsibility, including the Duchy of Cornwall,” the source added. “Harry and Meghan have none of that and seem ambitious about forging their own paths.”
Prince Harry and Markle have been living in Nottingham Cottage—next door to Prince William and Middleton—on the grounds of Kensington Palace, but will soon be moving to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. In November, Kensington Palace confirmed the news and revealed the move would happen sometime in 2019 as the house was undergoing extensive renovations. It has special meaning for the couple, too: Frogmore Cottage faces the grounds of Frogmore House, where Prince Harry and Markle had their wedding reception and where their engagement pictures were taken.
There’s good news, though: The Fab Four will definitely still be out and about together. Though some of their royal duties differ, both families will continue to work with the Royal Foundation, which supports charities that focus on veterans, mental health, and more. New year, new royal households—can’t argue with it, honestly.
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