In her widely discussed interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, drew attention to the contrasting media treatment she received compared to Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. Meghan pointed out the nickname "Waity Katie," which was used to describe Kate during her courtship with Prince William. While acknowledging that such press attention might have been challenging for Kate, Meghan emphasized that their experiences were not comparable, especially when it came to issues of race.
Meghan stated, "Kate was called 'Waity Katie' - waiting to marry William. While I imagine that was hard, and I do, I can't picture what that felt like, this is not the same, and if a member of this family will comfortably say, 'We've all had to deal with things that are rude,' rude and racist are not the same."
Kate Middleton faced her share of media scrutiny throughout the 2000s, which extended even after she became a royal. One of the most notable instances was in 2012 when paparazzi-captured topless photographs of the Duchess were prominently featured on British newspaper front pages. Commenting on the "Waity Katie" moniker, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams remarked, "It was very sensible in the circumstances for Kate and William to get to know each other over the length of time that they felt appropriate. But it can be hurtful seeing those headlines and obviously very stressful."
The viral video of Meghan's comments sparked a flurry of reactions online. One user pointed out inconsistencies in Meghan's statements, noting, "I thought she said she didn't know anything about the royal family," referencing Meghan's earlier claims of not being familiar with Prince Harry before their relationship. Another user commented, "Someone tell Meghan Kate was playing the long game; Kate proves she had patience; she WAITED for her reward and now has the adoration of the world."
Meghan further elaborated in the interview, "Unfortunately if members of his family say, 'Well, this is what's happened to all of us', if they can compare what the experience what I went through was similar to what has been shared with us." Both Harry and Meghan cited the British press as a primary reason for their decision to step back from royal duties and leave the United Kingdom.
The interview underscores the complexities of royal life, media scrutiny, and the challenges faced by members of the monarchy in the public eye.
