In recent revelations, tensions between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have resurfaced, particularly surrounding an incident involving Princess Charlotte that allegedly left Kate in tears.
Royal expert Tom Bower sheds light on how unkind remarks from Meghan about Charlotte exacerbated an already strained relationship between the two duchesses.
Despite having similar experiences as newcomers to the royal family, Kate and Meghan have reportedly found it challenging to forge a bond.
The conflict escalated significantly as preparations for Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding unfolded.
It is well-documented that disagreements arose over the flower girl dresses—with Meghan asserting that Kate made her cry during this stressful period—but further details emerged in Bower’s book, “Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors.”
According to insights shared in the book, Meghan allegedly made an unfavorable comparison between Princess Charlotte and Ivy, the daughter of her close friend Jessica Mulroney.
The source claims that this remark didn’t sit well with Kate, who was already navigating the complexities of motherhood, especially with her youngest, Prince Louis, being so new to the world.
The fallout from this incident was notable.
In November 2018, reports indicated that a particularly fraught dress fitting session had taken place, with the pressure surrounding Meghan’s expectations proving taxing on Kate.
A source mentioned to the Daily Telegraph that the dress fitting didn’t go smoothly for several reasons, including that Kate’s daughter was struggling to fit into her dress.
Fast forward three years, during the couple’s now-infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan offered her perspective on the situation.
She claimed that while Kate was indeed upset about the dresses, she addressed the issue and even apologized, gifting Meghan flowers ahead of the wedding.
This conversation took a twist, as Meghan shared how deeply the experience affected her, especially in light of everything else happening around that time.
Prince Harry, in his memoir “Spare,” added to the narrative by recounting text exchanges between the two duchesses.
In one exchange, he mentioned Meghan’s attempt to assist with dress alterations by suggesting Kate take Charlotte to the tailor.
However, Harry recounted that Meghan’s response did not seem adequate to Kate at that moment.
The misunderstandings escalated, culminating in an emotional moment for Meghan.
Harry described returning home to find Meghan in distress, illustrating the toll that public scrutiny and royal protocols can have on personal relationships, especially during such high-pressure events like a wedding.
Adding another layer to the story, Meghan’s tailor, Mr. Mirpuri, recently commented on the flickering tensions that preceded the wedding.
He expressed his surprise at how the situation ended in tears, recalling the chaotic atmosphere as they scrambled to fix the dresses for all six bridesmaids.
According to him, no one could have anticipated the degree of stress surrounding the fittings, given royal expectations.
Mr. Mirpuri noted that the fitting problems produced considerable frustration for all involved, particularly with the added pressure of wanting the young flower girls to look their best on such a prominent occasion.
He acknowledged the reality that weddings often come with unforeseen challenges that can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed.
The public fallout hasn’t stopped these two women from battling perceptions, as they continue to navigate their roles within the monarchy.
Meghan’s insistence on certain dress guidelines further complicated matters, with both women standing firm on their viewpoints, deepening the emotional divide.
While Meghan has been open about her feelings regarding the incidents, Kate has remained silent on the matter.
This ongoing tension paints a vivid picture of the complexities of royal life, showcasing how personal grievances can become public controversies.
The real question remains: can the two daughters-in-law ever bridge the gap?
Maybe time will tell, but for now, the rift appears to linger on, unfazed by their shared experiences in the royal spotlight.