What began as a hopeful story of unity turned into a prolonged rift between the two women of the British Royal Family. Kate Middleton had been a working royal for over five years when Prince Harry introduced Meghan Markle, his girlfriend at the time. As their relationship grew serious, fans envisioned a future where Kate and Meghan would form a powerful alliance within the monarchy, supporting one another for decades.
Unfortunately, this vision did not come to fruition. Even before Meghan and Harry’s wedding in 2018, tensions surfaced. One notable incident reportedly involved Kate making Meghan cry during a disagreement over Princess Charlotte’s flower girl dress. The rift between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales has persisted for years, with little indication of reconciliation.
Early Tensions Between Kate and Meghan
When Meghan returned to the United States with Harry, it seemed to spark further competition between the couples. Reports suggest that William and Kate sought to establish a presence in the “US Royal Market,” a move that may not have sat well with Meghan. Adding to the tension, Kate received a prestigious nomination from Time Magazine, which some speculated made Meghan envious.
Initially, the public believed Kate and Meghan shared a good rapport. However, Harry’s memoir Spare revealed that their relationship got off to a rocky start. When Harry first told William and Kate about Meghan, their reaction was less than enthusiastic. According to Harry, his brother remarked, “She’s an American actress, anything could happen.”
In their Netflix series Harry & Meghan, Meghan recalled her first meeting with Kate, which was not as successful as she had hoped. She described how her casual demeanor—wearing ripped jeans and being barefoot—clashed with Kate’s more formal approach. Meghan admitted she was surprised to discover that the royal formality extended behind closed doors.
Meghan’s Disappointment
After her wedding, Meghan was eager to embrace her role as a working royal and hoped Kate would help her adjust. However, that support reportedly never materialized. Authors Carolyn Durand and Omid Scobie wrote in Finding Freedom that Meghan was disappointed Kate didn’t reach out during her struggles with the press.
Over time, their relationship deteriorated further. After Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties and their subsequent allegations against the Royal Family, any chance of repairing the relationship seemed slim.
Recent Attempts at Reconciliation
Despite the tension, there have been small gestures of goodwill. When Kate received a cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Meghan reportedly called to show her support. Former royal butler Grant Harrold speculated that the holiday season could provide an opportunity for the families to reconnect. Harrold expressed hope that Christmas might inspire them to reach out, possibly through texts or video calls.
Harry and Meghan’s Challenges in the US
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have pursued various business ventures. While their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan was a success, other projects, like their Spotify deal and a niche polo series, failed to resonate with audiences. PR expert Renae Smith argued that their content delivery has been inconsistent, putting their Netflix contract renewal at risk.
At the same time, William and Kate have made moves to expand their presence in the US, including efforts to establish their Royal Foundation charity. Kate’s nomination for Time Magazine’s Person of the Year Award 2024 further highlighted her influence, potentially affecting Meghan’s standing in the public eye.
Kate’s Recognition and Meghan’s Reaction
Kate’s Time Magazine nomination praised her for sparking global discussions about privacy and health for public figures. While Donald Trump ultimately won the award, royal expert Charlotte Griffiths suggested the nomination may have fueled feelings of jealousy in Meghan, given her own aspirations for recognition.
Despite the ongoing feud, many hope that time and goodwill will eventually pave the way for reconciliation between the two couples.