“They would have known about each other’s due dates,” a family friend tells PEOPLE, noting that Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, who wed in 2018, are now living in Meghan and Harry’s U.K. home, Frogmore Cottage.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s pregnancy reveal on Feb. 14.Misan Harriman
Multiple sources also caution against reading anything into the absence of individual public well wishes fromPrince WilliamandKate Middletonor other royal family members—instead, a Feb. 14 statement from Buckingham Palace reflects that “the firm decided to have an overarching message,” says the royal insider.
Hours after Meghan and Harry released their news to the public, the couple received warmcongratulations on behalf of the entire royal family.
“Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and the entire family are ‘delighted’ and wish them well,” a palace spokesman said in a statement.
This is not the first time that Meghan, Harry, Eugenie and Jack have had overlapping news to celebrate.
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According to the bookFinding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family, Meghan and Harryshared the news that they were expecting Archiewith family and friends at Eugenie’s royal wedding in Oct. 2018.
“It did not go down particularly well with Eugenie, who, a source said, told friends she felt the couple should have waited to share the news,” according to authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand.
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank on their wedding day.Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Princess Eugenie’s wedding.Press Association via AP Images
However,Princess EugenieandPrince Harryhave always shared a unique bond.
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“Eugenie had always been more than just a cousin to Harry. They were also the closest of friends,” according to the book. “Out of all the Queen’s grandchildren, Harry and Eugenie have one of the most natural connections. Like Harry, Eugenie is loyal, honest, and great fun. The two had many nights out together in London.”
“Harry had always confided in his cousin when it came to the women in his life,” they added. “Not only did he trust her implicitly, but friends say that she gives great advice and has always been ‘beyond wise’ for her years.”
source: people.com
