It seems like Duchess Meghan (née Markle) and Prince Harry‘s feud with in-laws Prince William and Duchess Kate (née Middleton) was worse than anybody realized. Following the Sussex couple’s announcement that they’re “stepping back as senior members” of the royal family and moving to Canada (even if just part time), insiders are exclusively revealing to In Touch that family drama played a role in the decision. According to multiple sources, Harry and Meghan are hoping that getting some space — like moving to an entirely different continent — will help them shed some of the negativity.

“There’s still a rift between Harry and Meghan and other royals, including William,” one royal insider told In Touch. “The couple are looking forward to having a fresh start and extending their family in Canada.”

Another source added, “William and Harry still don’t get on — there’s 100 percent sibling rivalry between them, which is another reason Harry wants to move abroad and do his own thing. William’s not interfering and is letting his brother get on with it. I doubt they’ll ever be close again like they were when they were younger.”

It seems like the couple’s Christmas trip to Canada truly gave them the “reset” they needed amid all of the drama, and once they had a taste, they wanted more. The idea of putting down roots in North America wasn’t something new for Meghan, 38, and Harry, 35, however. “They’ve been talking about the move for a while,” a source told In Touch in the wake of their announcement. “They already have a home setting there and have been coming and going for months! But being based in Canada for six weeks was enough time to make them certain about the decision. While they’ll also be spending time in the UK, Canada will be their main base.”

The country is the perfect home for their family of three. One of the reasons the parents are excited to ditch the royal rules is so that they can raise son Archie in a more private environment. “They’d also be able to give Archie a more normal upbringing in Canada, away from the media circus in London, which is a priority for the royal couple,” an insider told Closer Weekly. “Archie is their No. 1 priority.”

Though the announcement came as a surprise to Queen Elizabeth, it might be a welcome change for Will, 37, and Kate, 37. In December 2019, a royal insider revealed to In Touch that the Duke of Cambridge was “secretly relieved” he wouldn’t have to spend the holidays with his brother. “William’s grown tired of Harry feeling sorry for himself,” they said. However, it also might open up a can of worms for his family of five. “[Kate] wants to back out of Christmas with the royals, too,” the insider added at the time. Apparently, the mother of three is jealous of the fact that her in-laws “get to do their own thing.”

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