Meghan Markle & Kate Middleton: The Royal Relationship Breakdown

The "Fab Four" Era

• 💡 Initially, there was a buzz and excitement around the "Fab Four" (William, Kate, Harry, Meghan), seen as a glamorous new set of royals.
• 🎯 Harry introduced Meghan to William and Kate, who were "massive fans of Suits", leading to initial delight.
• 👑 There was a hope that Kate and Meghan, both marrying into the royal family, could have bonded and become friends.

Contrasting Personalities

• 🧩 Despite hopes, Kate and Meghan were described as "very, very, very different people" with little in common.
• 🎭 Meghan had a strong personality, media experience, and was a more natural public speaker than Kate, which "put a few noses out of joint."
• 💖 Kate was portrayed as a "middle-class girl" and "English rose" who fell in love, while Meghan "set out to be famous" and courted media.

Early Tensions and Incidents

• ⚠️ The media often pitted the two women against each other, portraying them as rivals.
• 💬 An awkward moment occurred backstage at the Royal Foundation forum when Kate "grimaced" after Meghan asked to borrow lip gloss.
• 🧠 Meghan reportedly made an off-hand "baby brain" remark about Kate, who was pregnant with Prince Louis, leading to a heated conversation among the four.

The Bridesmaid Dress Controversy

• 👗 The "bridesmaid dress incident" was a major flashpoint, with reports of Meghan making Kate cry over Princess Charlotte's dress.
• 📖 Harry's book "Spare" presented his side, suggesting Kate was unwilling to compromise on the dress.
• 🗣️ Meghan later told Oprah Winfrey that "the reverse happened", implying Kate made her cry, and that Kate later apologized with flowers.

Public Narratives and Popularity

• ⚖️ After leaving the royal family, Harry and Meghan were "very quick to get their side of the story out" through interviews.
• 🤫 William and Kate adopted a "never complain, never explain" mantra, remaining silent on the feud.
• 📈 Five years on, William and Kate's popularity is "soaring", while Harry and Meghan's ratings have dipped, becoming "quite divisive."