While the fallout between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the royal family has been widely reported, fewer people realize that the cracks started long before their official departure from royal duties.

In his memoir Spare, Harry revealed that the conflict with Prince William and Kate Middleton began well ahead of their 2018 wedding.

Once praised as the “Fab Four,” the two couples held a private meeting after the Sussexes’ honeymoon to address growing tensions—but instead of reconciliation, it reportedly ended in a heated confrontation.

A “Secret” Tea and an Unexpected Turn

In a chapter of Spare, Harry described how the Prince and Princess of Wales invited him and Meghan for tea at Adelaide Cottage. The meeting quickly turned uncomfortable when Meghan brought up the unease between the couples.

According to Harry, Kate believed Meghan was trying to gain access to her fashion network. The situation worsened when William and Kate were upset that they hadn’t received Easter gifts from the Sussexes.