William's surprise text message to Harry before unexpected reunion

Prince William and Prince Harry surprised royal fans on Saturday when they reunited with their wives Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to view flowers outside the gates of Windsor Castle left for Queen Elizabeth II following her death.

It was the first time in two years that both couples were together after Harry and Meghan made the choice to step down as senior members of the royal family in 2020.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's departure lead to a rift between the brothers, with both Harry and Meghan voicing criticism of royal life over the last two years.

However, for 45 minutes, the brothers' bond seemed to be restored as the foursome walked through the crowds and accepted condolences from the public.

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The two couples even left in the same car and headed in the direction of Frogmore Cottage, Harry and Meghan's UK residence.

According to Daily Mail's Richard Kay, it was William who reached out to Harry, which is a huge breakthrough as the brothers have both blamed each other for the estrangement.

"That it [the reunion] happened at all is even more remarkable considering Harry’s apparent sidelining as events which unfolded in the hours immediately before and after the death of the Queen on Thursday," Kay writes.

William flew to Scotland with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward when they received news of the Queen's health. However, Harry was not with them.

It has been reported that Harry insisted Meghan join him, however, he was told Kate would not be joining William.

Harry then travelled to Balmoral alone, but just like William, Andrew and Edward, he didn't get there in time to say his final goodbye to his grandmother.

The Duke of Sussex joined Andrew, Edward and Princess Anne at Balmoral, while William was with Charles at his home.

"Two dinners were being hosted on the royal estate that night and there was a clear divide: One was for the new king and his heir, the other was for the rest of the family," an insider tells the Daily Mail.

On Saturday, Anne, Andrew, Edward and their children were seen thanking mourners at Balmoral. There was anticipation that William and Kate would do the same thing at Windsor.

It is believed that on the day, William texted his brother, suggesting they view the flowers together, proposing a time, which Harry acknowledged.

"It happened very quickly – remarkable really considering they didn’t see each other in Scotland," a source told the publication.

And despite reports that brothers came together due to a directive from their father, a royal source revealed this was "absolutely not the case", adding it was also false that William only acted after learning Harry was set to do his own walkabout among the crowds with a TV crew.

On Friday, Charles expressed his love for Harry and Meghan in his first official address as King, which may have led William to get in touch with his brother.

It is believed that William thought a show of unity was needed out of respect for the Queen.

It's not the first time the brothers have reunited in periods of grief with the pair being seen chatting with Kate after Prince Philip's funeral last year. However, the rift remained.

It is unknown whether the brothers' reunion will mark a change in their relationship or if it's just temporary.

Harry is set to release his explosive memoir in the coming months, with reports the royal family is very nervous about what he will choose to open up about.

If the Duke of Sussex shares intimate family secrets, it will likely be a dealbreaker for the Prince of Wales.

While Charles didn't call for his sons' reunion, it was his wish with an aide telling Daily Mail, "His view, basically, is 'sort it out'."

"He hates any kind of confrontation but he does see this period [of mourning] as an opportunity for his sons."

Harry will likely stay in the UK until the funeral, but Meghan's plans are unknown.

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