Prince William ‘Beside Himself’ Over Kate Middleton’s Decision to Step Away From Royal Duties: Report

“Kate had a hard time when she first joined the family but after a few years assumed she’d gotten through the worst of it,” the source continued before noting past drama with Harry, Meghan and U.K. tabloids.

“Kate’s been painted the villain, a racist who questioned the skin color of Meghan’s son, Archie, before he was born, who made Meghan cry before her wedding and who went out of her way not to be friendly,” the insider said.

“Those stories will never go away, which is one of the reasons Kate wants to retreat.”