The Prince and Princess of Wales were only on American soil for a short window, and between hosting The Earthshot Prize and rubbing shoulders with members of the Kennedy dynasty in Boston, there was little spare time for social activities.
WATCH: Kate Middleton’s sweet moment with Prince George at Wimbledon
But with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex only a few hours’ drive away in New York at their own glittering gala, Kate Middleton felt the opportunity was too good to miss.
“Regardless of what has happened in the past with Harry and Meghan, Kate desperately wanted to have a visit with their children,” says a source.
“Kate loves kids, whether they’re her own, her nieces and nephews, or the children she raises money for through her charities. She meets kids every single day and finds it absurd and a little sad that she hasn’t spent any time with Harry’s little girl.”
New Idea understands Kate, 40, who has “infrequent contact” with her brother-in-law, contacted Harry, 38, in the days leading up to their mutual events.
“She asked Harry if there was any way they could meet. She was willing to carve out a few hours of her time in Boston to meet Harry in New York, even if it was only for 20 minutes, which is really unprecedented given her rank above the Sussexes as the future Queen.”
Our source claims Harry was “on board” for a private meeting to take place between his sister-in-law, to whom he was always very close when he lived in the UK, and his children Archie, 3, and little Lilibet, 1, who Kate has only met very briefly.
“At the end of the day, Harry loves Kate, and feels his kids deserve to know her,” says the insider.
While no public reunion was slated for Harry and his brother Prince William, 40, who remain on tense terms, our royal sources say the rest of the family, particularly King Charles, were desperately hoping a quick private meeting would take place while the brothers were in the same country – and what better ice breaker than some cuddles with Lili!
