The relationship between Meghan Markle and Princess Kate (Catherine, Princess of Wales) has long been described as distant and fraught with tension, with Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams suggesting that the dynamic between the two women was “cold” and “difficult” from the outset. According to Fitzwilliams, the rift between Meghan and Kate became especially apparent after Meghan and Prince Harry decided to step back from their royal duties in 2020, and since then, they reportedly have not communicated.
Their strained relationship has sparked much speculation, with many questioning how much their tensions influenced Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave the royal family. Initially, Meghan was seen as a potentially great addition to royal life, given her public relations expertise and previous career as an actress. However, her time as a senior royal was short-lived, lasting only 18 months, as she and Harry faced mounting challenges.
Fitzwilliams notes that Meghan’s struggles within the royal family were clear, particularly due to intense media scrutiny and personal frustrations that she later shared publicly, including allegations of racism and bullying. These difficulties, along with her desire for independence, played a significant role in the couple’s decision to step down from royal duties. Meghan’s dissatisfaction with royal life highlighted deeper institutional issues, which, according to Fitzwilliams, contributed to the couple’s departure.
Their decision to step away from the royal family in January 2020 marked a turning point for the monarchy, shaking up traditional roles and expectations for royal members. While Harry had been unhappy for some time, it was Meghan who provided him with the opportunity to break free from the institution, which had long been a source of tension for him.
Since moving to California, Meghan and Harry have embraced their new lives, focusing on their philanthropic efforts and raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Despite stepping away from the royal spotlight, the couple has continued to share their side of the story, publicly discussing their experiences and the challenges they faced within the royal family. Meghan has spoken out about feeling unsupported and marginalized, particularly regarding race and mental health issues, which has fueled global conversations and further strained the relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
The tensions between Meghan and Kate have played a role in the broader rift between the Sussexes and the royal family. While the couple remains determined to move forward with their new life in the U.S., their relationship with the royal family, particularly with Kate and other senior members, remains unresolved. Meghan and Harry continue to chart their own path, focusing on their values and philanthropic goals, away from the pressures of royal life.
