William and Kate Are Tuning Out the Royal Drama, and Experts Say It's Still Draining

Prince William and Kate Middleton have apparently chosen their strategy when it comes to Harry and Meghan’s return to England, and it boils down to one word: focus. Royal experts tell People that the Prince and Princess of Wales are pouring their attention into their own priorities rather than getting pulled into the noise surrounding the Sussexes. Former royal press secretary Ailsa Anderson says the couple simply won’t be distracted.

That said, experts warn it isn’t a clean break. Historian Amanda Foreman says avoiding the drama is still“incredibly draining,”because William and Kate will always have to look over their shoulders and factor the Sussexes in. Meanwhile, author Russell Myers says William and King Charles are completely united that Harry and Meghan won’t represent the royal family, and Charles made that official in a letter calling them“private citizens.”Anderson also says a relationship between the cousins, including George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet, isn’t happening anytime soon.

For a lot of families, this story hits close to home. Boundaries, distance, and the ache of a relationship that just won’t mend are things plenty of us understand. The royals may have palaces, but the family stuff works the same as it does at your kitchen table. Have you ever had to step back from a family member to protect your own peace? Tell us your story in the comments.