Five Years On: The Ongoing Tensions Between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in May 2018, many hoped she would help modernize the monarchy and bring a breath of fresh air to the royal family. However, reports of tensions with sister-in-law Kate Middleton have persisted in the tabloids ever since. Let's take a deep dive into the alleged rift between the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge in the five years since Meghan joined the royal ranks.

The Early Reports of a Feud

It didn't take long after Meghan and Harry's wedding for rumors of a disagreement between the two duchesses to emerge. Most infamous was Meghan's claim in her and Harry's bombshell 2021 Oprah interview that Kate had reduced her to tears in the run-up to the 2018 wedding over Princess Charlotte's flower girl dress. However, it was later reported by the BBC that it was actually Meghan who had made Kate cry during the fitting.

Further reports surfaced of Meghan's frustration that she was expected to curtsy to Kate given they held the same royal rank. There was also talk of a "stressful" meal shared by the two couples that exacerbated tensions. While initially dismissed as gossip by the palace, these rifts were a ominous early sign thatMeghan may struggle to gel with the more reserved Kate.

Competition for Public Attention and Resources

As the years went on, it became increasingly clear that Meghan and Kate viewed their royal roles very differently. Meghan embraced colorful fashion, glamorous magazine covers, and spoke openly about causes close to her heart like feminism. In contrast, the more reserved Kate focused on her charity work supporting early childhood development. Some commentators argued this distinction created an unintentional competition for media attention and resources within the monarchy.

For example, when Meghan guest-edited British Vogue in 2019, it was perceived by some as trying to outshine Kate's low-key 2011 photo shoot for the magazine. The couple's decision to break from the Royal Foundation charity they shared with William and Kate in mid-2019 was also seen as a sign of tensions behind palace doors.

Transatlantic Tensions

When Meghan and Harry stepped back from frontline royal duties in 2020, relocating to California, it exacerbated existing cross-Atlantic tensions. Reports emerged that William had warned Harry against rushing into marriage with Meghan, feeding accusations the royals were racist and sexist towards the biracial American actress.

While Harry defended his wife in their Oprah interview, many felt the couple threw the whole family "under the bus" with some of their claims. Most damaging of all was the suggestion that Kate had reduced Meghan to tears - something insiders insisted she would never do. Thisdelivered a huge blow to the royals' public image at a sensitive time.

Ongoing Rift or Overblown Tabloid Claims?

In the years since, Meghan and Harry have continued making global headlines with high-profile projects like their Netflix and Spotify deals. Meanwhile, William and Kate maintain a lower profile focusing on carefully managed royal duties. But are the reported tensions between the two Cambridges and the Sussexes really as bitter as tabloids claim?

Some experts argue ongoing coverage plays up discord to sell papers, when in reality the couples lead very different lives. The Sussexes have also never publicly commented further on their Oprah claims, allowing room for doubt. While it's clear four very different personalities are involved, the truth is harder to ascertain from the outside.

Prospects for Reconciliation?

The death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 brought Harry back to the UK for the first time since the Platinum Jubilee. While there were initial hopes this could help mend family relationships, the tensions were laid bare after it emerged William had asked his brother not to bring Netflix film crews to their grieving grandmother's deathbed.

Many now wonder whether full reconciliation is possible. While distance and time may heal wounds, Meghan and Harry's determination to live independently while retaining their royal titles continues to complicate matters. Only future family events like the coronation of King Charles III may reveal if a true end to hostilities can be found.

FAQs

Is there really a feud between Meghan and Kate?

While some reported incidents point to tensions, the truth of their relationship is unclear. Competing personalities and priorities combined with intense tabloid and online speculation likely exaggerate any issues.

What caused the initial disagreement between Meghan and Kate?

The most famous point of contention came in 2018, when Meghan claimed Kate had made her cry in the lead up to her wedding over Princess Charlotte's flower girl dress. However, it was later alleged by some sources that it was actually Meghan who upset Kate during the fitting.

Why do Meghan and Kate have such different public personas?

Kate takes a more reserved, traditional approach focusing on low-key charitable work supporting children and families. Meghan embraces more high-profile, glamorous roles aligned with causes like feminism and racial justice.

Will tensions ease now the Queen has passed?

It remains to be seen. While distance from frontline duties may help, the Sussexes' independence agenda continues complicating family dynamics. Only time will tell if wounds from Megxit can fully heal under the new King.