Prince Harry and Meghan Markle In a ‘Tug-of-War’ With Prince William Over Irwin Family (Exclusive)

The Irwins are preparing to return to America in a few months for their long-postponed Steve Irwin Gala — and according to a source, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are pushing hard for an invite to the charity event.

After Robert Irwin’s season 34 win on Dancing with the Stars, his family’s profile in the U.S. is “higher than ever,” Star’s source reveals. “People are lining up to be associated with them and Meghan and Harry are at the top of that list.”

The Sussexes have long admired the conservationists and “would love to team up,” says the source. “They’re making a big push to get some face time with them when they’re in town so they can properly connect and pitch some ideas.”

There may be another reason Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, are so keen on cozying up to the Irwins though — and it has to do with their rumored feud with Prince William and Princess Kate.

“They would never admit that their obsession with outdoing William and Kate is the real motivator but of course that’s what everyone’s saying,” shares the source. “It’s pretty obvious William has really taken a shine to the whole family.”

As Star previously reported, the royal, 43, has developed a strong friendship with Robert, 22, who serves as a global ambassador for his Earthshot Prize.

When the Australian zookeeper had to miss the awards ceremony in November due to his stint on Dancing with the Stars, William filmed a surprise video message wishing him and pro partner Witney Carson “the best of luck.”

He and Kate, 44, also congratulated the Mirrorball champions on their win in a comment left under Robert’s celebratory Instagram post.

It’s put the Irwin family in a “very tricky” position, says Star’s source.

“If they accept Harry and Meghan’s offer to team up, there’s no way it will go over well with William,” the source notes. “They’ve become victims of their own popularity in a way because now they’re in the middle of this tug-of-war between the royal family.”

Adds the source: “It’s very awkward for them.”