The strained relationship between Meghan Markle and Prince William has been a topic of intense public scrutiny and speculation. Recent revelations from royal biographies have shed new light on a particularly heated exchange that highlights the deep-rooted tensions within the royal family.
A new biography, "Catherine, the Princess of Wales," by Robert Jobson, recounts an incident where Meghan Markle clashed with Prince William over a comment about Kate Middleton's pregnancy. Meghan reportedly attributed Kate's behavior to "baby brain," referencing her hormones during her pregnancy with Prince Louis. This remark did not sit well with Kate, who felt it was inappropriate.
According to Jobson, Kate responded to Meghan's comment by saying, "We are not close enough for you to talk about my hormones." The situation escalated when Prince William stepped in to defend his wife, pointing a finger at Meghan and stating, "Well, it's rude, Meghan. These things are not done here."
Meghan's response was direct and firm: "Take your finger out of my face," she retorted. This confrontation, as depicted by Jobson, mirrors an account from Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," where he describes similar tensions between Meghan and the other royals.
The fallout from this incident has had long-lasting effects. Meghan has not attended a royal family gathering since Queen Elizabeth's funeral. Sources indicate that Meghan's popularity in the UK has waned significantly since she and Harry stepped back from royal duties and moved to the United States.
"Harry is very anxious to go home and see his dad, catch up with his friends for his birthday in September, and also pay a visit to his aunt, Princess Anne," a source told Closer. "But the situation hasn't changed for Meghan."
Meghan's apprehension about returning to the UK is rooted in her fear of public backlash. "She's respectful that Harry has to go back to his homeland for practical and emotional reasons, but that doesn't mean she's going to go with him," the insider continued. "She's got way too much on her plate with the brand and her new cooking show, as well as looking after the children. The last thing she needs is the stress of going back to the UK, where she fears she'd be heckled again in public, which she finds really painful."
The biography also highlights that William had reservations about Meghan early in her relationship with Harry. Jobson notes that William sought assurances from Queen Elizabeth that Meghan would not wear jewelry from Princess Diana's collection, a privilege granted to Kate. William's concerns reportedly extended to Meghan's adjustment to royal life, suggesting to Harry that he should give her more time before fully committing.
Jobson writes that Meghan's approach often clashed with royal protocols and traditions. For instance, when Meghan asked to borrow Kate's lip gloss, Kate was taken aback but obliged. However, she reportedly grimaced when Meghan used her finger to apply the gloss, highlighting a cultural and personal disconnect.
These revelations add to the narrative of a royal family struggling with internal conflicts and public perception. Meghan's decision to stay in the US while Harry plans a solo trip to the UK underscores the ongoing rift and her desire to avoid further public scrutiny.
The tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family has broader implications. King Charles, who is currently battling cancer, finds himself entangled in these disputes. According to royal expert and author Hardman, Charles is deeply saddened by the rift but feels exasperated by the ongoing conflict.
"Of course, the king is extremely sad about Harry and Meghan, but there is a sense of exasperation, that he has done what he can and now he is king, there are many more things to think about," Hardman said. Despite his efforts to mediate, Charles has reportedly reached a point where he prefers to focus on his responsibilities as king rather than the familial discord.
