Duchess of Sussex ‘sick and tired’ of royal family timing after Sussexes’ controversial Australia tour
The Princess of Wales is set to make her triumphant return to the international stage today with a high-profile solo visit to Reggio Emilia in northern Italy — her first overseas engagement since revealing her cancer diagnosis.
But while Kensington Palace hailed the two-day trip as a significant milestone in the Princess’s work on early childhood development, sources close to the Sussexes claim the timing has left Meghan Markle distinctly irritated.
According to insiders speaking to In Touch Weekly, the Duchess is convinced the carefully orchestrated visit is a deliberate move to overshadow Harry and Meghan’s recent tour of Australia.
“From Meghan’s perspective, the timing couldn’t be more obvious,” one source said. “She and Harry have just come back from this great overseas trip and they’re finally getting some positive press, and suddenly Kate’s everywhere again. Meghan says every time they start building momentum, the royal machine swings into action and steals the spotlight. She’s sick and tired of it.”
Kate’s graceful return vs Sussex ‘faux royal’ tour
The Princess, 44, will spend Wednesday and Thursday in Reggio Emilia, immersing herself in the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach to early years education — an initiative perfectly aligned with her long-standing passion through The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
Palace aides describe her as “energised” and deeply looking forward to the visit, which will include meetings with educators, parents, children and civic leaders. It marks a powerful personal and professional milestone following her successful recovery.
By contrast, Harry and Meghan’s recent four-day trip to Australia has been widely labelled a “faux royal tour” by British and Australian media. Critics accused the couple of monetising their royal titles through paid events and commercial-style appearances while continuing to criticise the institution they left behind.
Senior royals are said to have been “horrified” by the Sussexes’ approach, with sources indicating the Prince and Princess of Wales view it as further evidence of the growing gulf between the two households.
A tale of two very different styles
Friends of the Waleses point to the striking contrast in approach. While the Princess has focused quietly on duty, family and substantive causes — even through her health battle — the Sussexes continue to operate what many in royal circles call a “hybrid” model: trading on royal connections while pursuing lucrative private ventures.
One palace insider told The Telegraph: “Kate’s trip is about 𝓈𝓊𝒷𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒, not spectacle. She’s not there to generate headlines for herself, but to advance a cause she genuinely cares about. That’s the difference people respond to.”
The Italy visit comes at a time when the Princess has been warmly received by the public for her resilience and dignified return to public life. Her poise and professionalism have only reinforced her status as the undisputed “People’s Princess” of her generation.
As the Princess touches down in Italy today, the spotlight is firmly back where many believe it belongs — on quiet service rather than noisy self-promotion.
What do you think? Is the timing of Kate’s trip coincidental, or a masterclass in royal timing? Drop your comments below.
