From Royal Dream Team to Total Contrast? Princess Kate’s Latest Success Sparks Fresh Debate Over Meghan’s Place in the Monarchy
Meghan Markle and Princess Kate were pictured at the women’s finals in summer 2019 (Image: PA)
It seems like a lifetime ago that the Duchess of Sussex and the Princess of Wales attended the Wimbledon ladies’ singles final together in July 2019. Back then, Kate seemed keen to show her new sister-in-law the ropes, with just under a decade in the Firm under her belt.
The pair cut a sophisticated figure in the stands, offering a glimpse into the future of the monarchy – the wives of the late Queen’s grandsons, poised, graceful and united. Kate and Meghan’s first solo outing together would be their last, however, with the duchess stepping down as a senior royal the following year and moving with her husband to the US.
The Princess of Wales wore an elegant green dress at this year’s tournament (Image: John Patrick Fletcher/Action Plus/Shutterstock)
What followed was a barrage of demeaning allegations against the Royal Family, with Harry and Meghan accusing Kate, Prince William, King Charles and Queen Camilla of being uptight, unsympathetic and borderline racist.
While so-called Megxit doomed the couple to a string of failed commercial ventures and quasi royal tours, Princess Kate’s recent appearance at this year’s Wimbledon proved just how little their departure damaged the royal brand.
The princess donned an elegant olive-green midi dress while presenting the men’s trophy to Jannik Sinner on Sunday, while her husband and children watched proudly from the stands.
Her involvement throughout the tournament, including leading tributes to British wildcard Arthur Fery when he stormed into the semi-finals, was a masterstroke in PR – showing the relevance of her role as patron of the All England Club with characteristic class.
Kate’s outing with Meghan all those years ago may have shown one route of travel for the modern monarchy, the Wales’s warm family display cut to the heart of William’s vision as King – one that Meghan has no place in.
As well as boosting the Firm’s image, being seen to be a steadfast, public-facing representative of the state also consolidates individual reputations.
It was a family affair as William and the children watched on proudly (Image: PSNEWZ/SIPA/Shutterstock)
Princess Kate is the clearest example of this. Once an outsider, she is now she second-most popular member of the Royal Family, hot on the heels of her husband, according to multiple pollsters including YouGov.
Among the reasons cited for her popularity are her commitment to duty, grace in navigating her public profile and her enduring warmth and approachability.
Opinion is of course subjective, but few would associate Meghan with those descriptions in the wake of bullying rumours, her clashes with royal tradition and relentless self-promotion.
On the back of Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain earlier this month, speculation is mounting over their desire to return to the fold after realising that life outside the gilded cage isn’t all its cracked up to be.
Perhaps it should have been a forgone conclusion, but the Wales’s display at Wimbledon made it clearer than ever. Harry and Meghan simply aren’t needed, and under a monarchy headed by William, they may very well find there is no way back.
