The photo that ignited tension within the royal family

Prince William‘s budding friendship with Taylor Swift reportedly appears to have ignited tension with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The 42-year-old future king was seen backstage in London, happily posing for photos with Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, along with his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Swift shared a selfie from the encounter, even wishing William a happy birthday.

According to RadarOnline.com, Harry and Meghan are not pleased with this development.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who relocated to California after stepping back from royal duties, attended Swift‘s Eras Tour in August but did not receive a backstage invitation or VIP treatment.

This snub was reportedly felt deeply by the couple.

“Taylor is very much on the royals’ radar,” a source said.

“It’s not just Charlotte and George who love her. Everyone’s raving about her and how talented and charming she is.

“The word is she’s going to be top of their list for any upcoming galas or events that involve celebrities.

“It’s no secret Meghan went out of her way to try to build a relationship with Taylor and got nowhere, so it’s hard for her and Harry not to see this as being a calculated way for William and the royals to undermine them further.

“In their view it’s patently obvious the royals – and William in particular – love to go after anything they come close to having.”

Swift rebuffed Markle

Swift had previously turned down Meghan‘s request to appear on her podcast, Archetypes. This refusal, coupled with her apparent warmth towards William, has left the Sussexes feeling sidelined.

“Meghan and Harry love Taylor’s music,” the source added.

“They’ve made it very clear they would love some sort of relationship with her.

“It’s the selfie that’s set them off because it’s just so out of the ordinary for the royals to publicize something like that. Even William‘s own fans have branded it as shade towards the Sussexes.”