Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left royal life and moved to California, tensions have been building between the US-based Sussex family and the UK-based Cambridge family.

While these tensions do not make for good PR for the royal family, they must be quite upsetting for everyone involved, especially Prince William and Prince Harry, who have always been very close friends.

With the Queen's platinum jubilee approaching and the royal family preparing for the June celebrations, it is more important than ever for the family to find common ground and rally around the patriarch.

"It's already been a critical year for the royal family with Prince Andrew," royal expert Katie Nicole tells Closer. 'And the timing couldn't be worse. The Queen was very eager this year to celebrate and unite the royal family for the Jubilee. But after all that happened, it proved very difficult to do so."

Reuniting the Sussex family with the family could make a big difference. Says Nicole, "In any way, even if it's just for attendance, having the Sussex family back in the royal family would be a real plus for the royal family." 'Not just for their image, but for the family itself. I hear that tensions are still high between Harry and Meghan and the royal family, but I think there are discussions going on this year about how things can be defused."

The Duke of Cambridge has reportedly been particularly hurt since the Oprah interview with his brother and sister-in-law aired. Nicole explains, "Harry and Meghan's comments hurt William deeply, deeply, deeply, and William can be stubborn and emotional." 'Kate has also been hurt, but she has always been a true pacifist. She cherishes her family and has been really close to Harry over the years."

"There will no doubt be awkward conversations, briefings, and discussions about how to handle Harry and Meghan's return. However, I believe Kate will be a real key player in reconciliation with Harry and Meghan. Tensions are high, but Kate will do what she can to heal the rift. This year, Kate and William, as well as Harry and Meghan, will want to make things as easy as possible for the Queen."

Nicole's comments echo what royal expert Angela Levin previously told Marie Claire about Middleton. She has tried to build a bridge between William and Harry. 'When H came to Prince Philip's funeral, there were very bad feelings between H and W. I think that's what happened. When Princess Catherine left the chapel, she began to talk to H. She said, 'I'm sorry, but I don't want to talk to you. Princess Catherine started talking to H as they left the chapel. I don't think either of them wanted to speak to the other first."