Meghan Markle's assertive response during a disagreement with Kate Middleton over bridesmaid dresses ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018 has come to light, revealing deeper rifts in their relationship. The dispute, detailed in Prince Harry's autobiography "Spare," showcases the tension between the two duchesses that predates the Sussexes' dramatic departure from royal life.
The contention arose when Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, expressed concerns to Meghan that the dress selected for Princess Charlotte was "too big, too long, too baggy," causing distress to the young princess. In a firm response, Meghan informed Kate that a tailor had been available at Kensington Palace since early morning, as was the case for other bridesmaids' dresses, and suggested that Charlotte's gown be altered similarly.
However, Kate insisted that all bridesmaid dresses needed remaking, a stance that Meghan challenged by urging Kate to utilize the tailor's services. Despite Kate's hesitance, she eventually agreed to follow Meghan's suggestion but not without expressing her reservations, backed by her wedding designer's opinion.
The incident added to the pre-wedding stress Meghan faced, including tensions with her father, Thomas Markle. Prince Harry recounted that the conflict left Meghan "sobbing on the floor," highlighting the emotional impact of the event.
This wasn't the first revelation of the bridesmaid dress incident; Meghan had previously discussed it during the widely-viewed interview with Oprah Winfrey. She clarified that Kate had indeed made her cry over the issue, contrary to reports that suggested the reverse. Meghan emphasized that Kate had later apologized, bringing her flowers and a note to express her remorse.
In her conversation with Oprah, Meghan stressed that she shared the story not to disparage Kate but to set the record straight. She expressed a desire for Kate to correct the narrative, which had been widely misrepresented in the media. Meghan's decision to keep further details private, citing fairness to Kate, underscores her intent to mend rather than deepen the rift.
The bridesmaid dress disagreement, while seemingly minor, reflects the complex dynamics at play within the royal family and the intense scrutiny faced by its members. It also sheds light on Meghan's approach to resolving conflicts and her commitment to transparency and accountability.
As the Sussexes continue to navigate their post-royal life, incidents like this offer a glimpse into the challenges they encountered within the royal framework and their efforts to maintain dignity and respect in the face of personal and public disputes.
