LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 10: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018 in London, England. The 100th birthday of the RAF, which was founded on on 1 April 1918, was marked with a centenary parade with the presentation of a new Queen’s Colour and flypast of 100 aircraft over Buckingham Palace. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
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
Britain’s Prince Harry stands with his fiancée US actress Meghan Markle as she shows off her engagement ring whilst they pose for a photograph in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in west London on November 27, 2017, following the announcement of their engagement. Britain’s Prince Harry will marry his US actress girlfriend Meghan Markle early next year after the couple became engaged earlier this month, Clarence House announced on Monday. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP)
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
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend day twelve of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage )
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
TOPSHOT – Princess Charlotte and Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge leave the wedding ceremony of Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and US actress Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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
WINDSOR, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the long Walk at Windsor Castle arrive to view flowers and tributes to HM Queen Elizabeth on September 10, 2022 in Windsor, England. Crowds have gathered and tributes left at the gates of Windsor Castle to Queen Elizabeth II, who died at Balmoral Castle on 8 September, 2022. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
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
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the first annual Royal Foundation Forum held at Aviva on February 28, 2018 in London, England. Under the theme ‘Making a Difference Together’, the event will showcase the programmes run or initiated by The Royal Foundation.
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.