Reports suggest that ongoing strain between Prince Harry and Prince William may have influenced Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to relocate from central London to Windsor.

A friend disclosed earlier in the year that Harry disliked the intense public scrutiny and was determined to shield Meghan from excessive attention. Their quiet August retreat was described by Harry as “pure bliss,” underscoring their desire for privacy.

The Sussexes’ choice to settle at Frogmore Cottage, just 20 miles from Kensington Palace, reflects this wish. The couple had long debated between city life and a more secluded setting since their May 2018 wedding.

Windsor held sentimental value as the site of both their ceremony and private reception. The move also distances them from William and Kate, who live at Kensington Palace, fueling speculation that family tensions played a part. Reports claim Harry and Meghan were reluctant to live next door to the Cambridges, preferring independence and additional space as they prepare for their first child.

While palace officials downplay rumors of discord, several insiders confirm that the real friction lies between the brothers rather than their wives. Meghan and Kate, though very different in personality, have made efforts to get along. William and Harry, however, have clashed in recent years.

One source recounted that Harry criticized William last Christmas for not being more welcoming to Meghan, leading to a brief fallout. Their father, Prince Charles, intervened, after which the Cambridges invited the couple for Christmas. Even so, the brothers’ relationship has continued to evolve, with Harry stepping back from depending on William and Kate for public appearances.

The move represents a broader shift in roles. William, destined to become Prince of Wales, will focus on preparing for kingship, while Harry, alongside Meghan, intends to build a distinct portfolio of royal duties.

Friends note that Harry no longer wishes to live in William’s shadow, preferring a quieter life in the countryside where they can raise their family more privately. At one point, the Cotswolds was under consideration, but Windsor eventually emerged as the ideal compromise.

Interestingly, Harry’s decision mirrors William and Kate’s earlier move to Norfolk when Prince George was born, signaling that both brothers have prioritized rural living for family life.

Though the Sussexes will retain their Kensington Palace office, questions remain about whether the two households will eventually split entirely. For now, Frogmore Cottage offers Harry and Meghan both space and independence at a pivotal moment in their lives.