Very few people are so famous that they are recognized in almost all parts of the world, and the British Royal family is an example. It seems impossible not to hear news about Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry! They always seem to get press time, but you will be surprised to know that there are still things about them that not a lot of people know, including the fact that Prince William and Prince Harry have a stepsister. It began in 1981, when Prince Charles and Princess Diana got married.
We Bet You Have Never Heard That Prince Harry And William Have A Stepsister
Someone Else
While it was true that they walked down the aisle and exchanged vows, Prince Charles was not Princess Diana’s Prince Charming. The whole time, his heart belonged to another woman, but who could it be?
Someone Else
Called It Quits
In 1971, Prince Charles met Camilla Parker Bowles. The two started a relationship but a few years later, they split up. They went their separate ways and got married to other people. However, that was not the end for the two.
Called It Quits
No Sulking
Talking to the BBC back in 1995, Diana said, “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” It must have been really awkward, but the People’s Princess did not moan or sulk. Quite the contrary!
No Sulking
Princess Of Wales
Diana embraced being the Princess of Wales and brought a new spark into the royal family as she went into charity work. Also, she ended up becoming a pop culture icon.
Princess Of Wales
Doting Mother
She chose not to conform to the norm in terms of raising her children. She did not pass them off to relatives or nannies. Instead, she made it a point to arrange her schedule in a way that it revolved around them. Diana even took the kids to school!
Doting Mother
Breaking Up
The royal family faced many problems in the mid 1990s. Charles and Diana decided to call it quits and got divorced. This was not the look they were going for, of course, but this was not the worst yet.
Breaking Up
A Tragic Death
The car that Diana had been riding hit a pillar in Paris’ Pont de l’Alma tunnel on August 31, 1997. The press had been following closely behind her at the time. Tragically, her internal injuries caused her death.
A Tragic Death
Everyone Heard
The world was stunned when the news came out. Grievers started to flood into London in order to pay their respects. So many flowers were outside Princess Diana’s that it looked like a carpet! Whoa.
Everyone Heard
Moving On
There was a massive outpouring of grief. Following the public funeral, there was no other choice for the royal family but to move on. Everyone was shocked, though, when they found out what Charles did after Diana’s passing. What was it?
Moving On
Getting Back Together
In 2005, news broke that Charles and Camilla had reconciled. The couple were not simply seeing each other again. They wanted to marry as well! William and Harry would have a new stepmom.
Getting Back Together
A New Start
The public was not sure that Camilla could replace Diana but it was a different story for the royal family. They seemed to manage, though. Charles was happy, making William and Harry happy. It seemed like Camilla helped them to stay strong.
A New Start
No Wicked Stepmom
“She’s not the wicked stepmother,” Harry said in 2005, “William and I love her to bits.” While the public had been outraged in the beginning, they later accepted her. However, there was another new family member!
No Wicked Stepmom
Not Only Camilla
Everyone was very focused on how she joined the royal family. Some people even overlooked the fact that Camilla had two kids from her first marriage. One stepped into the limelight, but the other did not.
Not Only Camilla
Tom Parker Bowles
Her son, Tom Parker Bowles, is a famous food critic and writer. He was on Gordon Ramsay’s The F-Word and Masterchef. He has also published several books before. But how about his sister?
Tom Parker Bowles
Laura Lopes
Camilla’s daughter, Laura Lopes, has done her best to stay out of the spotlight. While she has been present in events like royal weddings, she actually has a good reason to hide from the limelight.
Laura Lopes
Just Kids
Tom and Laura were quite young when Prince Charles married Diana. As the children of his former lover, the two kids were always hounded by the paparazzi at the time, which made life pretty hard for both of them.
Just Kids
The Pap
The paparazzi would wait outside their home, hoping to see the Parker Bowles family. Paparazzi followed the family’s cars on the streets, similar to how Diana was hounded years later. Of course, it got on the nerves of the family.
The Pap
Dealing With Bullies
Tom said when he talked to the Mail, “They’re bullies, half of these people, and they made you very angry.” He added, “All I wanted to do was smack them in the face and beat the hell out of them. But you couldn’t do that.”
Dealing With Bullies
Avoiding Attention
Laura’s past experience caused her to stay away from the limelight rather than reveling in it. However, does this mean her relationships with other royal family members are strained?
Avoiding Attention
Won Them Over
After marrying Charles, Camilla said she owes everything to family. The paparazzi hounded her and bad thing were written in the tabloids about her, but she managed to win them over in the end.
Won Them Over
True Nature
Folks questioning the “true” nature of royal family relationships is not new. Discussions of the friendship between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are pretty common online.
True Nature
The Brothers
Reporters have definitely made attempts to fish for the truth and somehow, they have managed to give us a pretty good understanding of the situation. Reporters claim the friction all started with a feud between Harry and William.
The Brothers
At Odds
It appears that the royal family has some brotherly beef. We all know William and Harry have always been close despite their differences. However, what could have possibly caused their squabble?
At Odds
The Public Noticed
How did the public learn of the feud? It started when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to live on their own, deviating from the norm. The couple left the other royals behind!
The Public Noticed
Kensington Palace
As newlyweds, the couple moved into Kensington Palace, where Meghan spent her first year of being a member of the royal family! She was able to adjust to the lifestyle with the help of some veterans.
Kensington Palace
Nottingham Cottage
The couple stayed in Nottingham Cottage, near the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Kent and also Princess Eugenie. On the other hand, Prince William and Kate lived across the grounds.
Nottingham Cottage
Moving Out
With the birth of their first child approaching, Harry and Meghan wanted to leave “Nott Cott” and live in Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. Frogmore Cottage is more pleasant and spacious than Nottingham Cottage.
Moving Out
Renovating The Cottage
After this, renovations on Nottingham Cottage immediately started. There were only two bedrooms in what used to be Prince Harry’s bachelor pad. However, some people think that there was something more to the move.
Renovating The Cottage
Lingering Animosity
After some time, Harry and Meghan were married and were expecting a baby. In spite of this, some iciness remained. What was it exactly that made things difficult for the family? Everybody shared the same concern William had about Harry.
Lingering Animosity
Time To Chat
In the end, the real reason behind the big move came to light. According to reports, the tension between the brothers began when Harry was still courting Meghan. William spoke to his brother after meeting her.
Time To Chat
Apprehensive
William did not doubt that Harry and Meghan were madly in love. Marriage was clearly the next step. However, William told his younger brother not to rush into a huge commitment.
Apprehensive
Miffed
“William told his brother they knew nothing about her background, her intentions, what she was really like,” a source said. Even though Prince William tried to go about it as gentle as possible, Harry still felt miffed.
Miffed
His Concerns
One alleged royal court member claims, “He just wanted to stress that becoming part of the Royal Family is a massive undertaking, and the pressure and scrutiny are [sic] unrelenting. Was Meghan the right one?”
His Concerns
Defending Her
Harry begged to disagree and he thought his brother’s concern was a slight against the woman that he loved. Back then, Meghan was already having a hard time dealing with all the attention. Harry felt he had to stick up for her.
Defending Her
Her Own Family
What is the real reason behind the royal family giving her the cold treatment? We do not know but we bet they had not expected Meghan’s dad Thomas and her half-sister Samantha would say bad things about her.
Her Own Family
Theories Abound
According to one theory, the reason is that she is half-black. However, there are those who think that the fact Meghan once worked in show business was where the reaction stemmed from. Perhaps they thought she was not merely acting.
Theories Abound
Despite Everything
Prince Harry and Meghan might have had a hard time, but the two never wavered in the public eye. We always see a united front and their evident love for each other. In spite of everything, Meghan has become part of the royal family.
Despite Everything
His Fault
Some believe that the one in the wrong is Harry. “He will brook no criticism of Meghan,” one source said. “And he is so sensitive he often sees criticism or negativity where there isn’t any.”
His Fault
Protecting Her
“It’s my opinion that Harry feels he couldn’t protect his mother, so he’s going all out to protect his wife,” a courtier said. Diana used to be criticized by the press, so perhaps this is his way of making up for things.
Protecting Her
Another Reason
It seems there is really tension among the fab four. We bet Harry being assigned as a Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador by the Queen did not help things. William was bypassed for the role!
Another Reason
Confirmation
Fans of the royal family do not believe such a feud exists and claim the press simply wants to stir up drama. However, when the fab four were once asked whether they have disagreements, there was awkward silence until William said, “Oh yes.”
Confirmation
Tension
The four laughed nervously. Asked whether they have resolved the feuds, Harry smiled and just said, “We don’t know.” While he made it seem like a joke, it was apparent not all was well.
Tension
The Duchesses
The tensions only became worse because of the rather complex dynamic Kate and Meghan have. When Meghan finally joined the family, she probably thought her sister-in-law would be an ally.
The Duchesses
Tight Schedule
After a while, Kate became pregnant with her third child, Louis. She probably had a lot of things on her plate and helping Meghan adjust became less of a priority. She had a busy schedule. However, Meghan might have thought this was a slight.
Tight Schedule
No Noble Blood
Many wondered whether Meghan and Kate had bad blood between them. Did they get along or was it the opposite? While the two had no noble blood, they went on to become the talk of the town.
No Noble Blood
Meghan And Kate
On Christmas day in 2017, they officially appeared together for the first time. Kate and Meghan were not actually in the same situation when they joined the royal family. For one thing, the worlds where they came are very different!
Meghan And Kate
Privileged Background
While Kate herself was not an aristocrat, her family was wealthy. Her parents were owners of a company that sells party supplies. She also went the University of St. Andrews. She actually met William there.
Privileged Background
Getting Married
In 2010, after years of dating, William and Kate decided to finally get married. In April 2011, they had what was dubbed “The Wedding of the Century” and she became the Duchess of Cambridge. In that same year, Meghan tied the knot as well.
Getting Married
First Marriage
Meghan did not get married to Harry then, not yet. At the time, she was still attempting to get her big show biz break. This LA native married actor-producer Trevor Engelson. However, they broke up two years later.
First Marriage
Big Break
When Meghan was starting out, she landed small roles and was even a suitcase girl on Deal or No Deal. Her career just took off when she played Rachel Zane on the popular legal drama Suits.
Big Break
Going Great
Finally, Meghan’s career was taking off, and so was her private life. A friend of hers set her up with Harry on a blind date in 2016. They hit it off right away!
Going Great
Birthday Bash
Meghan was invited to Kate’s 35th birthday party. While she probably made a great impression, this has not really been verified. However, we know that she got Kate a dream journal.
Birthday Bash
Another Royal Wedding
Kate and Meghan got to know each other some more. You probably remember the royal wedding in 2018. Many people all over the world tuned in to it. It was a historical wedding after all.
Another Royal Wedding
Bumpy Beginnings
The two of them are now true-blue royal family members. Everyone is curious whether Kate and Meghan have hit it off. When Meghan first became part of the family, the two did not really get along well according to insider accounts.
Bumpy Beginnings
Not Well
At the time, Kate was pregnant with Louis, her third child, so she was under physical and emotional stress. It is possible that she could not give much time to welcome her new sister-in-law.
Not Well
Helping Each Other
Meghan, however, was there to give her sister-in-law a hand during this trying time. Kate got dietary advice from her to ensure the pregnancy would go smoothly. Kate helped Meghan with a problem as well.
Helping Each Other
After That
After this, Kate and Meghan finally got closer. When their schedules permitted, the two like to spend time together. There was one time when they visited Wimbledon for the weekend. They were joined at the hip!
After That
Professional Partners
Moments like this allowed them to bond. In addition, Kate was able to lend Meghan a hand with her duties. She even asked Meghan to be part of the Royal Foundation Forum, which is a charity William and Harry founded.
Professional Partners
Admiring Her
This was a big step for Meghan, who was a new royal at the time. A source mentioned, “She really admires how Kate has carved out her own space when it comes to humanitarian work alongside being an amazing mother.”
Admiring Her
Living Away
Just months prior to welcoming their child, Harry and Meghan made a decision to move out. They left Nottingham Cottage. They then moved in Frogmore Cottage, leaving the family behind.
Living Away
Remaining Close
It meant Kate and Meghan would have less chances of seeing each other. The two are on good terms, though. They will probably find the time. They will likely get closer when the children are older.
Remaining Close
Helping Out
While they might not see eye to eye on everything, they always had each other’s back. Since the ladies married into a family that is so high-profile, they probably need all the help that they can get.
Helping Out
Not Easy
Without a doubt, being a Windsor family member must be hard. For one thing, your every move will be watched by the press. Meghan learned about this when she first met Harry.
Not Easy
Blind Date
Many famous romance stories start out very romantically, but in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s case, they met on a blind date. At the time, Meghan did not really know much about him.
Blind Date
Not Prepared
“I didn’t know much about him,” Meghan said when she spoke to the BBC, “so the only thing I asked… was, ‘Well is he nice?’” Harry, on the other hand, was also not ready for the date. It was the first time that he heard about Meghan!
Not Prepared
Dating
Fortunately, the two immediately hit it off. After only a few weeks, Harry invited Meghan to come with him on a charity trip in Africa. He said, “[It] was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to get to know each other.”
Dating
Coming To Light
For quite some time, Harry and Meghan kept their relationship discreet. However, the news came out in late October 2016. One source claims Harry had “been desperate to keep the relationship quiet.”
Coming To Light
Instagram Post
Meghan posted quite an odd photo on Instagram and it got plenty of attention. The picture shows two spooning bananas. She posted it the same day that news broke about the relationship. Hmm!
Instagram Post
New Ballgame
As expected, the tabloids quickly ran stories on every single piece of gossip there was. True enough, Meghan was used to the press, but she found out this was a new beast.
New Ballgame
Tabloids
“There was a misconception that this would be something I would be familiar with,” Meghan told the BBC. “But I’ve never been part of tabloid culture. I’ve lived a relatively quiet life.”
Tabloids
Press Pressure
The press was quite relentless in trying to get the latest on the newest royal couple. Some even crossed the line and harassed her mother just to find out more about Meghan!
Press Pressure
Worried
Harry was not standing for it and issued a statement through the Royal House. A source explained, “Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle’s safety. It is not right that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm.”
Worried
Brotherly Concern
After Harry issued the statement, the media frenzy calmed down a bit. However, William was soon dragged into the mess, so the Duke of Cambridge had to issue his own statement as well.
Brotherly Concern
Other Statement
The statement which Prince William issued included this: “The Duke of Cambridge absolutely understands the situation concerning privacy and supports the need for Prince Harry to support those closest to him.”
Other Statement
It Was Fine
It was not a secret that Harry opted to handle the press in quite an unusual way, but in reality, he just wanted to stand up for the woman he loves. His family did not have an issue with how he behaved!
It Was Fine
Approval
By the time 2016 ended, Harry’s hiccup was already forgotten. Another important piece of news thrilled them all. Everybody found out that Meghan Markle got the Queen’s seal of approval!
Approval
Delighted
It is true that the Queen is the monarch of the United Kingdom. However, she is also Harry’s huge fan. A source mentioned to US Weekly, “[The Queen is] delighted to see Harry in a loving relationship.” Isn’t that nice?
Delighted
Incredible
However, this was not the end. Meghan also said nice things. She told the BBC, “It’s incredible, to be able to meet her through [Harry’s] lens.”
Incredible
Grandmother
What else did Meghan say about Her Majesty? “Not just with his honor and respect for her as the monarch, but the love that he has for her as his grandmother… She’s an incredible woman,” Meghan expressed.
Grandmother
New Year
In 2016, Meghan and Harry spent Christmas separately, but they were together for New Year’s. At the time, the secret was already out of the bag. The couple went on a trip to Norway!
New Year
Wedding Bells
The two went on a great Arctic Circle excursion. They were able to see the incredible Northern Lights. By then, their close friends were already saying that a wedding would happen soon.
Wedding Bells
Speculation
The two had not made any announcements about a wedding, but others began to speculate. “I can see them engaged by the spring,” one of Harry’s friends told US Weekly. The person added, “He’s head over heels.”
Speculation
Introduction
After Harry and Meghan spent some time together in Norway, he began to bring her to different family affairs and events. In early 2017, she was also introduced to Princess Charlotte with Kate at Kensington Palace.
Introduction
Brother
Of course, this meant that Meghan was beginning to spend more time with William as well. It seems like the two hit it off before long. A source said, “Naturally, William is very happy for his brother.”
Brother
Rendezvous
This is great, but how about her family? Meghan flew her mom, Doria Ragland, to London to to introduce Harry to her and give her the chance to get to know him. It was clear Meghan and Harry were serious about each other.
Rendezvous
Nervous
We are pretty sure Harry felt nervous about meeting Meghan’s mom but he was lucky since he and Doria did not have any problems getting along. This was like how Meghan hit it off with the members of his family!
Nervous
Father
After their initial meeting, Doria was seen together with the couple quite a few times. However, did Harry get on well with her dad too? Meghan mentioned, “He’s talked to my dad a few times, [but] hasn’t been able to meet him yet.”
Father
Living Together
At this time, the couple lived on their own, so they had become very close to each other already. When Meghan is not filming in Toronto, she was said to have been “virtually living” at Kensington Palace already!
Living Together
Next Step
After this, there was another big milestone in their relationship. This time, they travelled to Jamaica. Meghan was Harry’s plus one at a friend’s wedding. Many people could tell this was another step in the couple’s relationship.
Next Step
Abuzz
Rumors started to abound when she decided to pull the plug on her popular lifestyle website, The Tig. She said she wanted to focus her attention on charity work for now.
Abuzz
More Rumors
The buzz grew even more when Meghan flew to London before Pippa Middleton tied the knot. Meghan was brought to the place directly after she arrived at Heathrow International Airport.
More Rumors
Attendance
Meghan went to Pippa Middleton’s wedding reception. It was the first ever royal family event that Meghan attended. Aside from this, she was spotted cheering for Harry at the Audi Polo Challenge as well.
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Attendance
Africa
Meghan and Harry went on another trip to Africa, but this time, it was to celebrate her 36th birthday. While it might not sound like it was a conventional choice, they first bonded over their desire in helping others!
Africa
Sentebale
Harry and Meghan also went to the founding place of his charity Sentebale. The word means “forget me not” in the Lesotho language. Harry opted to have this name to pay tribute to his mother.
Sentebale
Royal Appearance
However, Meghan’s first major appearance as a royal happened at the Invictus Games in September 2017. The event is held to honor injured, wounded, and sick military personnel through sports.
Royal Appearance
Two Become One
The games were held in Toronto. The press definitely noticed how Harry and Meghan had been holding hands. Also present at the event was Doria. This made people speculate more about a possible upcoming wedding.
Two Become One
Tell-All
After more than a year since news about their relationship broke, Meghan decided to come clean at last. She made an appearance on Vanity Fair’s October issue. There was also a tell-all interview about her relationship with Harry.
Tell-All
Couple
“We’re a couple. We’re in love,” Meghan told the world. She also added, “I’m sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell.”
Couple
Our Time
“But,” Meghan continued. “I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”
Our Time
Popping The Question
The word was out. Only one thing was left for the couple to do. He asked for her hand in marriage in November 2017. People from different parts of the world were happy to learn that Meghan said yes!
Popping The Question
Statement
The news got out, of course. Prince Charles also issued an official statement: “His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle.”
Statement
Recounting
The same day that news of the royal engagement broke, the BBC interviewed Harry and Meghan. In the video, the lovely couple recounted the fateful night, which happened in Kensington Cottage.
Recounting
Nothing Unusual
Harry explained, “It was just a standard typical night for us.” Meghan added, “Just a cozy night… trying to roast a chicken. It was just an amazing surprise, it was so sweet and natural and very romantic.”
Nothing Unusual
Thrilled
Meghan was excited about the proposal. She could not help but interrupt Harry. In fact, she cut in to give him her answer – yes! He said to her, “It was just the two of us and I think I managed to catch you by surprise as well.”
Thrilled
The One
During an engagement photo shoot session, Harry was asked when he realized Meghan was “the one” for him. He did not hesitate the slightest bit when he said, “The very first time we met.”
The One
Royal Wedding
At last, Harry and Meghan tied the knot on May 19, 2018 at Windsor Castle. Of course, a big crowd went there in order to witness the moment. Millions of people also tuned in order to watch the wedding!
Royal Wedding
The Ceremony
Meghan looked stunning in her beautiful Givenchy gown. She also wore a lovely diamond-platinum tiara that is from the Queen’s collection. Meghan’s dad was not there. Instead, it was Prince Charles who walked her down the aisle.
The Ceremony
New Member
Harry and Meghan are now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. On October 15, 2018, they came out with some big news. They told the world that they were expecting their first child! Their son, Archie, was born in spring of 2019.
New Member
Succession
Their son will unlikely become the king, so we hope he will not be disappointed when he finds out about this. He is actually not that high up in terms of the royal succession.
Succession
Prince Archie
On May 6, 2019, Archie, Harry and Meghan’s firstborn child was born. At the moment, Archie is seventh in line for the British throne. He is behind Princes Charles, William, George, Charlotte, Louis, and Harry!
Prince Archie