PRINCE William and Princess Kate’s children know “very little” about cousins Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and are “never likely to be close to them”, claims a royal author.
When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 they relocated to California, meaning their kids have hardly interacted with their UK family.
With Harry’s kids across the pond, the Wales family are now said to have “replaced” the cousins with Zara and Mike Tindall’s three children, claims Phil Dampier.
The royal author told Fabulous: “It’s so sad that the Wales’ kids basically know very little about their cousins across the pond and are never likely to be close to them.
“It’s not thought that George Charlotte and Louis have ever met Archie and Lilibet.
“Although they were invited to Lilibet’s first birthday party at Frogmore Cottage, they did not go.”
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are said to spend a lot of quality time with the three Tindall children, Mia, Lena, and Lucas.
On Christmas Day we saw adorable Mia gripping the hand of cheeky Prince Louis as they went to St Mary Magdalene’s Church on the Sandringham Estate.
After keeping the young prince out of mischief, Mia was later seen having a giggle with Princess Charlotte as they walked past well-wishers.
Phil added: “In many ways the children of Zara and Mike Tindall have replaced Archie and Lilibet as the closest cousins of George, Charlotte and Louis.
“Their children Mia, Lena and Lucas are similar in age and when they see each other the fun is infectious.
“At Christmas at Sandringham, at events like Trooping the Colour, state occasions or holidays at Balmoral, the cousins play together and get on well.
“It’s something Archie and Lilibet are missing out on and you just wonder if in years to come, when they grow up, they will start asking their parents why they are estranged from the royal family.”
The royal expert said it is unlikely that the relationship between the Wales and Sussex cousins will develop in the next couple of years.
Phil added: “I’m sure William and Kate think it’s tragic that it’s come to this but the rift between William and Harry is so bad that I don’t see any resolution soon, if ever.
“Harry has said in a recent interview that he won’t bring Meghan back to the UK, and I’m sure he wouldn’t bring their kids without her, so it’s a non-starter.
More on Zara Tindall
Princess Anne turned down the Queen’s offer of giving Zara a royal title after she was born, and equestrian-loving Zara said she felt “lucky” the decision was made.
Zara went to Beaudesert Park School in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Port Regis School in Dorset and then at Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland.
She qualified as a physiotherapist at Exeter University.
Zara is also an accomplished equestrian and Olympic silver medallist.
“There is no way William and Catherine are going to travel to the US to see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, so it’s a stalemate.”
The distance also affects King Charles’ relationship with his grandkids.
The royal expert added: “One of the great sadnesses of Megxit is that the King is not seeing his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet, who are growing up in California with American accents.”
However, it is said that Zara and Mike Tindall like to stay on “good terms with everyone”, and they could act as a peacemaker between William and Harry in the future.
In many ways the children of Zara and Mike Tindall have replaced Archie and Lilibet as the closest cousins of George, Charlotte and Louis
Phil Dampier
Phil added that while George, Charlotte and Louis reportedly didn’t attend Lilibet’s Frogmore Cottage birthday, Zara and Mike’s kids did, along with Peter Phillips and ex wife Autumn’s children, Savannah and Isla.
The royal author said: “Once again that showed how Zara tries to keep on good terms with everyone.
“Zara is godmother to Prince George and William has always been close to her.
“If anyone is going to bring William and Harry together it could well be Zara who acts as the peacemaker.
“In fact Zara is a tremendous asset to the family generally as she gets on well with everyone and is a calming influence.
“Zara brings people together and whenever you see her with other members of the family she is always very warm and loving, the first to hand out hugs and kisses.”