“Possibly the Princess of Wales is still open to a reconciliation in some form,” Nicholl noted. “I still feel it’s quite early.”

She went on to suggest that Middleton’s personal experiences, such as confronting her own mortality during her journey with a cancer scare, have likely shifted her perspective. “When you go through something like a cancer diagnosis and you confront your own mortality, you realize life is short,” Nicholl added. “Far too short for rifts and family feuds.”

Nicholl also emphasized the importance of the royal family projecting unity, not just for their own well-being but also for their public image. “And perhaps that will be a role that [Middleton] will play at some point in healing that rift, because I think we look to the royal family as a symbol of unity,” she explained.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, Nicholl believes the gathering could be an opportunity for healing