Meghan Markle is reportedly considering an unconventional strategy to reconnect with the British royal family: reaching out to Kate Middleton’s sister, Pippa Middleton. According to royal insiders, the Duchess of Sussex believes Pippa could play a pivotal role in bridging the divide between her and Kate, Princess of Wales, amid ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the royals.

This surprising development comes in the wake of Meghan and Prince Harry’s strained relationship with the royal family, highlighted by public allegations and strained relations in the aftermath of their departure from royal duties in 2020.

The relationship between the Middleton sisters has always been characterized by mutual support and camaraderie. When Kate Middleton married Prince William in May 2011, Pippa Middleton, now Pippa Matthews, captured global attention as her sister’s maid of honor. As she gracefully carried Kate’s train at the wedding, the world saw a demonstration of their close bond.

Over the years, as Kate embraced her role in the royal family, raising her three children with Prince William, Pippa carved out her own life with her husband, James Matthews, and their growing family. Despite their differing paths, the sisters’ relationship has remained steadfast, underscored by shared experiences and familial support.

In a royal landscape often marred by tension, Kate’s stable relationship with her family stands in stark contrast to the turmoil faced by her husband, Prince William. He has often found solace in the Middleton family’s warmth and stability, a marked departure from the internal strife within his own royal household.

As Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attempt to mend fences with the royal family, Meghan is reportedly eyeing Pippa as a potential ally in her quest for reconciliation. Despite the rift between the Sussexes and the royal family, insiders reveal that Meghan and Pippa have maintained a cordial relationship, free of the tension that has characterized the Sussexes’ dealings with other royals.

According to royal sources, Meghan’s decision to approach Pippa is driven by the belief that Pippa could serve as a bridge to her sister, Kate. “Things cooled off between Meghan and Pippa when everything went awry with the Sussexes and William and Kate, but as far as their personal relationship goes, there was never any issue,” says a royal insider. “Now that Meghan is looking for ways to make peace with Kate, she’s hit on this idea that Pippa could be a good pathway.”

The inspiration for Meghan’s Pippa-focused strategy reportedly came after observing Pippa accompany Kate to Wimbledon earlier this month. The sisters attended the men’s singles final, joined by Princess Charlotte, in a significant public appearance following Kate’s announcement of her battle with cancer in March.

Kate, who is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy, was visibly buoyed by her sister’s presence during the high-pressure event. For Meghan, this was not just another example of the sisters’ closeness but a poignant reminder of her own past connection with them. In 2019, Meghan had shared the royal box with Kate and Pippa at Wimbledon, a symbol of her then-close relationship with the royal family.

The contrast between her past and present situation has reportedly motivated Meghan to seek reconciliation. The Sussexes’ decision to leave the UK initially on amiable terms has since soured due to their public criticisms of the royal family, including allegations of animosity towards them from William and Kate in Harry’s memoir Spare and their Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan.

Recent developments, including King Charles and Kate’s respective cancer battles, have prompted a change of heart for Harry and Meghan. Recognizing the toll that their estrangement has taken on their family ties, the Sussexes are reportedly seeking to repair relationships. The couple has been labeled “whiney grifters” and among 2023’s “biggest losers,” according to various outlets, pushing them to reconsider their public and private approaches.

While Meghan launches new ventures like her brand American Riviera Orchard and a rumored Netflix cookery show, she and Harry remain committed to rebuilding their standing within the royal fold. “Harry has reportedly continued to reach out to his estranged family, and is hoping he’ll be able to forge connections in the future for the sake of his and Meghan’s children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three,” a source reveals.

Meghan and Harry’s strategy involves reaching out to Pippa and her husband, James Matthews, in hopes of initiating dialogue and possibly meeting on neutral ground in Europe or the U.S. “He would like to work on a friendship with Pippa and her husband James, perhaps meet up with them on neutral ground in Europe or the States, then see if they can get some synergy going. For Harry and Meghan, it’s all about baby steps at this point,” the insider added.

While Meghan’s plan to connect with Pippa may seem ambitious given the Sussexes’ current unpopularity in royal circles, it underscores their willingness to explore every avenue in their quest for rapprochement. By focusing on Pippa, they hope to leverage her close relationship with Kate to mend fences and regain a foothold in royal circles.

As Meghan Markle sets her sights on reconnecting with the royal family through Pippa Middleton, only time will tell if this approach will yield the desired results. The Sussexes’ efforts to rebuild bridges reflect a broader desire to restore familial ties and navigate the complexities of their unique position. Amid public scrutiny and past grievances, Meghan’s strategy is a testament to her determination to find a path back into the royal fold, even if it means reaching out to the Middleton sister who has always been a steadfast support to her own.