Prince William is reported to have told Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to leave his official royal household after bullying allegations were raised by staff members. Royal author Robert Lacey has claimed that despite the world believing the Sussexes orchestrated the split of their own accord, it was in fact Prince William who demanded the couples leave the shared household.

       Mr Lacey told GB News: "There was a rift between the brothers at a very early stage of the courtship when William said to Harry, 'why don't you go slow a bit.'

       "I discovered that when Harry blew up at that William then turned to his uncle Charles Spencer to come in and out the same point of view that, 'look nothing personal against this woman but she is a self-made American celebrity from a completely different culture, how do you expect her to fit in with us?'

       "And I think one has to say I think perhaps events bore out those doubts.

       "What I discovered for the second book was from the same source who was telling me about this, they were talking to William earlier this year.

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       "When the Times starting running what Meghan's side described as a smear campaign - the stories of alleged bullying.

       "William set to my friend on the phone, he said that is what it was all about.

       "He said we did have a row over the courtship we sort of got over that we still stayed in the same household."

       In response to the bullying claims that emerged in March, a spokesman for the Sussexes said: "The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.

       "She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.”

       Mr Lacey claimed the allegations moved against Meghan played a significant role in the decision to ultimately go their separate way "because it was a joint household but it was William's staff."

       The royal author claimed the tensions grew to such a point the brothers erupted into a shouting match on the phone and agreed to split their households.

       The royal author said: "So while the world thought that Harry and Meghan walked away from William.

       "It was in fact William who said I don't want you in my official joint household anymore."

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       It comes a day after Prince William and Prince Harry gave a joint statement as they revealed their mother’s commemoration.

       The brothers said: “Today, on what would have been our mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better.

       "Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy."