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Tensions are running high across the pond these days, as the royal family continues to grapple with an increasingly messy scandal, the consequences of which might be felt for years to come.

It all started with reports of a feud between Kate Middleton and Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, who had previously been one of Kate’s closest confidantes.

Kate Middleton Prince William Cridge Center Canada 2016
(Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

This led to reports that the falling out was prompted by an affair between Rose and Prince William.

In the days since reports of the scandal went public, the royals have been in damage control mode.

At least one British publication has already received a cease and desist letter from William’s lawyers, and the mad dash to bury this story has led many to the conclusion that it must have some basis in fact.

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Obviously, the situation carries potentially devastating implications for William and Kate’s marriage.

But it might also have even further-reaching consequences.

All of this is taking place as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle prepare to welcome their first child.

Prince Harry and Prince William with Duchesses
(Getty Images )

Reports of a rift between the two royal couples have been circulating for months, and now it’s believed that the tension is a result of William’s affair.

The theory goes that William advised Harry against marrying Meghan, and when Harry learned that his brother had been cheating on his then-pregnant wife with her best friend, the hypocrisy was too much for him to bear.

Making matters worse, the scandal reportedly dredged up uncomfortable memories of the Prince Charles’ infidelities during his marriage to Princess Diana — transgressions for which the brothers have never fully forgiven their father.

Prince William and Dueling Duchesses
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What was initially believed to be a feud between Kate and Meghan is now thought by many to be a rift between William and Harry.

According to a new report from People magazine, the situation has become so dire that the princes are now living separate lives. 

"It was only going to work until they married — and it went on a while longer than perhaps was originally thought," a source says of the brothers’ previously unshakeable bond.

Prince Harry and Prince William in Suits
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"It’s a shame," says another insider.

"There was power in that unity and great strength in the foursome, but I see why it is happening.

"There is always that tension: trying to do the PR thing and then realizing that they are just real people. They want their own place and their own things."

2 Princes
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Harry and Meghan have already broken up the "court" they previously shared with Will and Kate at Kensington Palace and created a separate office of their own.

They’ve also relocated to Frogmore Cottage, roughly 25 miles from the home they previously shared with Will and Kate.

But the source says that despite their current difficulties, Will and Harry will always be there for one another.

Kate Middleton and 2 Princes
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“There is never any doubt that they will be there for each other 100 percent and support each other when it matters,” the insider claims.

And while much will depend on the outcome of Will’s current scandal, the informant says there remains the possibility that the brothers will one day mend their relationship.

“Maybe they’ll come back together a little later,” says the source.

“It’s another stage in the growing up. Sometimes you have to break away in order to come back.”