Experts Say Kate Middleton Felt Meghan Markle Was Difficult Early On

Some royal experts believe Kate Middleton felt Meghan Markle was difficult from the start. They suggest these early feelings may have contributed to Prince Harry and Meghan deciding to leave their royal roles.
By Newsroom | Royal Family, United Kingdom |

Tensions within the British royal family, particularly between Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, may have begun much earlier than publicly perceived. Reports from royal experts suggest that Catherine found Meghan's demeanor "abrasive" and believed from their initial interactions that Meghan and Prince Harry had a predetermined plan to distance themselves from royal duties. These claims, emerging from various sources and author insights, offer a behind-the-scenes perspective on the breakdown of relationships within the monarchy, which ultimately led to Prince Harry and Meghan's departure from royal life, commonly referred to as "Megxit."

Kate Middleton Found 'Abrasive' Meghan Markle Had 'An Agenda' Before Megxit, Royal Expert Claims - 1

Genesis of Royal Discord: Early Impressions and Suspicions

The relationship between Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been a subject of considerable public and media interest. According to royal editor Russell Myers, as detailed in his forthcoming book "William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story," Catherine's perception of Meghan was shaped early on. Myers suggests that Catherine found Meghan to be "abrasive" and sensed that both Meghan and Prince Harry had an "agenda" that would eventually lead them away from the United Kingdom and their royal responsibilities.

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  • Initial encounters: The dynamic between the two women began with underlying reservations, according to a royal expert. (Article 4)

  • Long-standing friction: It is not a secret that Princess Kate and Meghan Markle have not been close, with their husbands' strained relationship widening the gap. (Article 1, 5)

  • A "hugger's" perspective: Meghan herself noted her natural inclination to hug, a practice she later realized might be jarring for some in the British culture. (Article 2)

The "Agenda" and Housing Demands: Allegations of Status Seeking

Further contributing to the narrative of early discord are claims that Meghan Markle sought an arrangement similar to that of Kate Middleton, specifically concerning royal residences. Expert commentary suggests this desire stemmed from a perceived need to rival the Princess of Wales, indicating an awareness and potential contention regarding royal hierarchy and status.

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  • Housing requests: Reports citing palace insiders suggest that Meghan requested accommodation that mirrored Kate's, an action deemed controversial given Windsor Castle's traditional exclusivity for senior royals. (Article 3)

  • Struggle with hierarchy: These claims align with ongoing narratives suggesting Meghan found it difficult to adapt to the established royal order and accept that not all roles within the monarchy hold equal standing. (Article 3, 9)

  • Expert interpretation: Analyst Schofield posited that the alleged housing requests were fundamentally about "status." (Article 3)

A Pivotal Incident: The Bridesmaid Dress Dispute

A frequently cited event that reportedly exacerbated tensions was a disagreement over bridesmaid dresses for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. This incident, while seemingly minor, is described by some as a turning point, marking the "beginning of the end" of positive relations.

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  • The wedding day rift: Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," details early turbulence between Meghan and Kate, including an argument over Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid dress. (Article 5, 8, 9)

  • Apology and flowers: Prince Harry notes that Kate visited Meghan the following day with flowers and a card to apologize for the incident. (Article 9)

  • Symbolic marker: Author Katie Nicholl views the bridesmaid dress dispute as a significant marker for the subsequent problems Meghan encountered with Kate and other family members. (Article 9)

Communication Breakdown and Royal Intervention

Reports suggest that direct communication and attempts at resolution also became points of contention. One specific exchange, detailed by Prince Harry, involved Meghan apologizing to Kate for any offense caused and asking for clarification to prevent future missteps. However, this approach reportedly led to Prince William expressing strong views.

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  • Meghan's expressed regret: Meghan stated she never intentionally offended Kate and sought to understand any missteps to avoid repetition. (Article 6)

  • William's reaction: Prince William is reported to have reacted negatively to Meghan's statements, leading to a heated exchange after their African honeymoon. (Article 6)

  • Defending Meghan: Prince Harry recounts an instance where Meghan told William to stop "pointing in her face" during this confrontation. (Article 6)

  • Impact on brotherly ties: These conflicts are identified as a significant source of tension between Prince William and Prince Harry, contributing to their estrangement. (Article 1, 5)

Expert Views on Early Perceptions and Future Departure

Several royal experts have weighed in on the early dynamics, suggesting that Catherine's initial reservations about Meghan were indicative of an understanding of the path Prince Harry and Meghan would ultimately choose.

  • Foresight of departure: Catherine's early perception of Meghan as "abrasive" and having an "agenda" led her to believe the couple would eventually leave their royal roles and the UK. (Article 1)

  • Struggles with adaptation: Author Katie Nicholl posits that Kate navigated royal life more successfully, while Meghan struggled with adaptation, feeling increasingly isolated by the institution. (Article 9)

  • The "defining element": Valentine Low, a royal author, characterized the events in June 2018 as a "defining element" that severely impacted the relationship between the two couples and the monarchy. (Article 8)

Conclusion: Enduring Estrangement and Unresolved Tensions

The accounts presented suggest that the foundations of the rift between Catherine and Meghan, and by extension, their husbands, were laid early in Meghan's tenure as a royal. These initial impressions and alleged incidents are described as catalysts that fueled a growing estrangement, culminating in Prince Harry and Meghan's departure from royal duties. As of current reports, Prince William and Prince Harry remain not on speaking terms, and a similar distance persists between Catherine and Meghan. The alleged early tensions and unresolved conflicts are seen by some commentators as having significantly "ripped the monarchy to pieces."

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Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle get along at first?
Some royal experts say that Kate Middleton found Meghan Markle difficult from their early meetings. They think Kate felt Meghan was 'abrasive'.
Q: Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave royal life?
Reports suggest that early disagreements and a feeling of not fitting in led Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to step back from their royal duties. This is sometimes called 'Megxit'.
Q: Was there a specific event that caused problems?
An argument about dresses for bridesmaids at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding is often mentioned as a difficult moment. It is said to have happened early on.
Q: Do William and Harry still talk?
It is reported that Prince William and Prince Harry are not speaking to each other. The problems between their wives may have added to this.
Q: What did experts think about Meghan Markle's early time as a royal?
Some experts thought Meghan Markle had an 'agenda' and would eventually leave royal life. They also suggested she had trouble getting used to the royal rules.