Baby Sussex will heal the Fab Four’s ‘rift’ and pave the way for a genuinely close relationship

THE message was short, the sentiment sweet - "Happy Birthday Louis! Sending lots of love from both of us xo".

Posted on the Sussexes' official Instagram page and written, many believe, by the couple themselves, the heartfelt message put paid to rumours of a royal rift between the Fab Four.

But while it will likely take more than a birthday greeting on social media to squash the rumours completely, there’s no doubt Prince Louis' first birthday was a moment for the couples to publicly bond.

Today the couple have welcomed their own baby, something royal sources are hoping will bring the foursome closer after a difficult period.

For months the Royal Family’s press machine has been trying to dampen speculation that William and Harry have fallen out (they didn’t speak when they arrived at church on Easter Sunday) along with whispers that their wives don’t get along.

Insiders admit things "have not been easy" behind the scenes since Harry married Meghan, but it is hoped that the royal baby could be the peacemaker to bring them closer together.

Having moved to Frogmore in Windsor and established their own court, the Sussexes have a new life with some much needed space from the Cambridges.

This is expected to ease some of the tensions that arose when they lived at Kensington Palace.

And it is hoped that the arrival of Baby Sussex could pave the way for a genuinely close relationship between the two couples.

Insiders admit things 'have not been easy' behind the scenes since Harry married Meghan, but it is hoped that the royal baby could be the peacemaker to bring them closer together

Katie Nicholl

Kate revealed on an engagement last year how excited she was about the Sussexes' baby, saying it would be fun for her children to have another cousin.

Being a royal mother, Kate is in a unique position to help Meghan navigate royal motherhood.

Harry, who is known as the ‘funcle’ at the palace, adores his nieces and nephews and is said to want them to be a part of his own family life.

One insider told me: "When he lived at KP he was always popping over to play with the children.

"They adore their uncle Harry and he will want them to be close to his children and for them to grow up together."

When Harry and William were young boys they spent a lot of time, including family holidays, with their royal cousins and history has already repeated itself.

Zara (and Mike) Tindall’s children are close to George, Charlotte and Louis - the families were recently seen on a day out at the horse trials in Norfolk together.

It is also hoped that the arrival of Baby Sussex might pave the way for a reconciliation between Meghan and her father Thomas Markle.

The Duchess has not spoken to her father for months but Markle family sources say Thomas is hoping Meghan will soften once she is a mother and give him a second chance, adding he will be desperate to meet his grandchild.

Meanwhile the royal baby’s other grandfather, Prince Charles, is said to be "excited" about becoming a grandfather again.

"He’s looking forward to meeting the baby and spending time with the family," says a source.

"He’s a big fan of Meghan’s and is very close to Harry so this child will really cement that bond."

Here’s hoping the royal baby can also help to heal those family rifts once and for all.

Katie Nicholl is the author of Harry and Meghan: Life, Loss and Love..