The relationship between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton has been one of the most analyzed in recent royal history. From friendly photo ops to headlines about drama, the story of the two duchesses is more layered than the tabloids would have us believe. While their dynamic was once seen as symbolic of a modern royal sisterhood, behind closed doors, it’s clear that the reality was far more complex.
Early Interactions: A Hopeful Beginning
When Meghan first became engaged to Prince Harry, there was hope she’d form a close bond with Kate. According to reports, the Princess of Wales made early efforts to support Meghan’s transition into royal life — alongside Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh — offering guidance much like what she received herself during her early days in the Firm. At the time, the two women were seen together at joint appearances, suggesting signs of budding camaraderie.
Wimbledon 2018: Friendly Faces, Subtle Signals
In July 2018, Meghan and Kate made headlines when they stepped out together for the Wimbledon Women’s Final. It marked their first official solo outing, and the images of the pair chatting courtside were framed as a sign of unity. But behind the scenes, the energy may not have been as effortless. Experts noted subtle tension in body language, and royal watchers have since cited the day as an example of how public performance doesn’t always reflect personal reality.
The Bridesmaid Dress Dispute
One of the most talked-about moments in their relationship came in the lead-up to Meghan and Harry’s wedding. Initially, British tabloids reported that Meghan made Kate cry during a disagreement over bridesmaid dresses. But in Meghan’s own 2021 interview with Oprah, she corrected the record — saying it was actually Kate who made her cry, and later apologized. Prince Harry’s memoir Spare echoed the account, offering more context and explaining that the emotional toll of the episode lingered with Meghan.
A Relationship Distanced by Duty — and Departure
After Meghan and Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020, their interactions with the rest of the family became increasingly limited. Meghan and Kate haven’t been seen together publicly much since, and Harry’s detailed recounting of royal tension in Spare shed further light on the emotional distance between the couples. While it’s often portrayed as a “feud,” the truth seems more grounded in institutional challenges than outright animosity.
Conclusion: Beyond the Headlines
The relationship between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton isn’t easily defined. It’s been cordial, complicated, and at times strained — but also shaped by a rigid royal system, relentless media attention, and the pressure of public expectations. While we may never know every behind-the-scenes detail, one thing is clear: their dynamic reflects the larger tensions between tradition and change within the royal family.
