The dynamics within the British royal family are under fresh scrutiny in a new book, "Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival," by Omid Scobie. The author, previously known for co-authoring "Finding Freedom," a book about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now turns his attention to the relationship between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, suggesting an underlying coldness from the Princess of Wales towards her sister-in-law.
According to Scobie's book, as reported by Page Six, Kate Middleton allegedly "jokingly shivers" upon hearing Meghan Markle's name and has had minimal direct communication with her since late 2019. This alleged detachment adds a new layer to the well-publicized tension between the two Duchesses.
The book revisits the much-discussed bridesmaid dress incident before Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018. Contrary to initial reports that Markle had made Middleton cry, the Duchess of Sussex, in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, claimed it was the other way around. Markle recounted how Middleton had apologized for the incident with a note and flowers, expressing confusion over why the Palace or Middleton did not correct the false reports.
Prince Harry's memoir "Spare" further illuminates the incident, depicting Middleton as insistent on having the bridesmaid dresses remade, claiming they were unsuitable for Princess Charlotte. This detailed account contrasts sharply with the public perception of the situation at the time.
A source close to Kate Middleton, quoted by Scobie, describes her as someone who "can be cold if she doesn't like someone" and asserts that Middleton was "never a fan" of Markle, spending more time talking about her than to her. This insight challenges the previously perceived harmony between the Duchesses in their early days as part of the royal family.
The book also sheds light on the Palace's response to the Oprah interview. The inclusion of the phrase "recollections may vary" in the Palace's statement, reportedly insisted upon by Middleton, implied a subtle skepticism about the Sussexes' claims, particularly regarding allegations of racism within the royal family. The choice of this phrase, according to reports, was a deliberate effort by Middleton to convey a firm stance, raising questions about the veracity of the Sussexes' account.
Scobie's new book, "Endgame," paints a complex picture of the relationships within the royal family, particularly between Middleton and Markle. It suggests a deeper rift than previously understood, driven by differences that go beyond mere miscommunication. As the royal family continues to navigate its public image amidst these revelations, "Endgame" provides a revealing glimpse into the challenges and tensions behind the palace walls.
