Prince William and Kate Middleton have expanded their Kensington Palace communications team amid intensifying family tensions.
The Prince and Princess of Wales face mounting scrutiny over security costs and estrangement from Prince Harry.
Reports highlight a strategic addition—Liza Ravenscroft, a communications expert with crisis management experience—to handle press interactions. What drives this move as UK royal dynamics shift?
Stakes Rise for Monarchy
Concerns grow over Prince Harry’s potential UK returns, which could cost taxpayers millions in armed police protection if reinstated by Ravec (Royal and VIP Executive Committee).
The Daily Mail has warned of a “future crisis for the monarchy” from what sources describe as a potential “rival royal court.”
William and Kate’s household prepares quietly in London as a security decision looms, with key events ahead including the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Rift’s Long Shadow
The William-Harry estrangement dates to Harry’s 2020 exit from royal duties in the UK. Harry’s last UK visit was September 2025, when he met privately with King Charles at Clarence House for under an hour—but did not see William or Kate.
Tensions persist over security downgrades following Harry’s departure from working royal life. Historical context fuels current pressures.
Security Review Underway
Ravec, the UK’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee, is conducting a new risk assessment of Harry’s protection needs, with a decision expected within weeks.
According to reports, the Risk Management Board determined Harry meets the threshold for taxpayer-funded armed police protection.
The decision carries significant public funding implications amid planning for the Invictus Games and ongoing legal proceedings.
Communications Expert Joins Wales Household
Prince William and Kate Middleton hired Liza Ravenscroft from global PR firm Edelman for their Kensington Palace press team in January 2026.
Ravenscroft, who previously served as Senior Director for UK Crisis & Risk at Edelman, brings expertise in managing communications for high-profile clients.
Kensington Palace clarified that she is joining in a “non-crisis-based role” focused on “day-to-day press interaction,” though her background in crisis management has sparked speculation about the timing and motivations.
Taxpayer Costs in Focus
British taxpayers could face substantial costs if Harry’s armed protection is reinstated by Ravec in the UK. The decision, expected within weeks, is tied to risk assessments for public events and ongoing legal proceedings.
William and Kate’s team is positioned to manage potential public reaction. Royal security debates continue to strain public finances and sentiment.
Personal Toll of Estrangement
Harry’s September 2025 UK trip included a private meeting with King Charles at Clarence House, marking their first encounter in 18 months, but no contact with William and Kate, deepening the sibling rift.
Sources describe emotional strain on the royal family in London. The Daily Mail’s “future crisis” warning underscores personal stakes for brothers once close. Public attention remains focused on the divided family.
Competing Royal Narratives
The Daily Mail and other outlets have cited unnamed sources suggesting Harry and Meghan could establish what one source termed a “rival royal court” in the UK—a claim that remains unverified but has fueled concern at Kensington Palace.
Ravenscroft’s hire, recommended by Julian Payne (Edelman CEO and former communications secretary to King Charles), signals closer alignment between Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace as succession planning intensifies.
Broader Royal Communications Shift
The Royal Family navigates ongoing challenges, including scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s associations and health-related media speculation.
A broader trend emerges: communications overhaul for future monarchs. Edelman’s expertise signals proactive reputation management across the UK royal households as the institution modernizes its media approach.
Reconciliation Efforts Reported
Multiple tabloid reports in late 2025 referenced an alleged reconciliation effort dubbed “Project Thaw,” aimed at easing tensions between Harry and the Royal Family ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games.
However, royal experts quoted by major outlets have expressed skepticism, with one calling it a “media term” rather than an official palace initiative.
King Charles did meet with Harry in September 2025, suggesting some thawing of relations, though no formal reconciliation program has been confirmed.
Brothers’ Unresolved Tensions
William reportedly harbors frustration over Harry’s security campaign and continued estrangement, according to reports.
Kensington Palace insiders express concern over what sources describe as potential “rival court” dynamics.
The family divide continues without public signs of reconciliation between the brothers, even as Charles and Harry took a small step toward dialogue in September.
Strategic Team Alignment
Ravenscroft’s hire, facilitated by Julian Payne—former communications head for King Charles and now Edelman CEO—marks a strategic alignment between Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace.
She left a senior Edelman role to join day-to-day press operations in London. The household expands its communications capabilities as succession planning and family tensions converge.
Birmingham 2027 Timeline
The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham represent a key inflection point, potentially forcing family encounters.
Reports indicate Harry invited King Charles to attend.
William and Kate’s communications team prepares for managed messaging around potential Sussex participation. The Palace’s focus remains on family unity narratives amid security determinations.
Expert Commentary and Palace Response
Daily Mail columnist Richard Eden questioned: “Why on earth would the Prince and Princess of Wales need a crisis manager when they are the calm amid the royal storm?”
Kensington Palace responded that Ravenscroft joins in a “non-crisis-based role” for day-to-day press interaction, noting that royal communications staff “come from an array of backgrounds.”
The timing amid family tensions and security deliberations continues to fuel public speculation.
Decision Points Ahead
Will Ravec restore Harry’s armed protection within weeks, reshaping future UK visits? The 2027 Invictus Games will likely force public family interactions.
William’s team is positioned for multiple scenarios—what if reconciliation efforts stall? Forward implications rest on London security rulings and family dynamics.
Public Funding Governance
The UK Home Office oversees Ravec decisions on publicly funded security. Harry’s May 2023 legal defeat highlighted taxpayer concerns and procedural questions.
A new risk assessment ordered in late 2025 represents a fresh evaluation based on updated threat intelligence. Political debate continues in Parliament over royal protections for non-working royals.
Transatlantic Royal Dynamics
The US-based Sussexes’ potential UK return carries international media implications. Invictus Games 2027 will draw worldwide attention, intensifying pressure on transatlantic family ties.
Harry’s California residence contrasts with the London-based monarchy, creating competing narratives across continents.
Legal Context Persists
Harry’s May 2023 High Court loss on security funding underscores Ravec’s authority and discretion. The new 2025-2026 risk assessment—the first since 2019—addresses procedural gaps identified in legal proceedings.
Precedents continue to shape ongoing disputes, though this review represents a fresh evaluation rather than an appeal of the 2023 ruling.
Modernizing Royal Communications
Younger royals like William increasingly adopt corporate communications strategies, hiring from firms like Edelman.
This generational shift from traditional palace press offices to modern crisis-capable teams reflects evolving media landscapes. Public perception shifts as royal households professionalize communications amid intense scrutiny.
Implications for the Monarchy’s Future
Ravenscroft’s hire signals a royal household preparing for complex family dynamics, public funding debates, and institutional tensions.
As Ravec deliberates and the 2027 Invictus Games approach, the move reflects enduring divisions within the Royal Family.
Broader questions about monarchy relevance, family unity, and public accountability remain unresolved—what comes next for these fractured relationships will shape the institution’s trajectory.
Sources:
Marie Claire – Prince William and Princess Kate’s New Communications Expert – January 2026
People Magazine – Kate Middleton and Prince William Hire New PR with Crisis Management Background – January 2026
BBC News – Prince Harry security case explainer – January 2023
The Guardian – Prince Harry loses legal challenge over paying for police protection – May 2023
Hello Magazine – Prince William hires crisis management expert – January 2026
Cosmopolitan – Kate Middleton and Prince William Hire Crisis PR Expert – January 2026