The relationship between Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been one of the most scrutinized in modern royal history. Their bond—or lack thereof—has been a focal point for media, shaping the public’s perception of the royal family’s internal dynamics. Once hailed as a refreshing new duo set to modernize the monarchy, their strained relationship instead highlighted deep-rooted differences in personality, priorities, and expectations within the British royal family. In this detailed analysis, Dr. Aparna Vashisht Rota, business strategist and DEI expert, examines the factors that led to their fallout and its broader implications.

Early Signs of Friendship and Optimism

When Meghan Markle first entered the royal scene as Prince Harry’s fiancée, the media was eager to portray her as a new and dynamic presence within the royal family. Catherine, the then-Duchess of Cambridge, was expected to be a mentor to Meghan, guiding her through the traditions and expectations of royal life. Their early public appearances suggested a warm camaraderie, particularly during events like the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham and their joint engagements alongside their husbands.

Their first major public appearance together at the Royal Foundation Forum, where they were dubbed “The Fab Four” alongside Prince William and Prince Harry, was meant to showcase a united front. However, even in these early moments, differences in approach and personality were visible. Meghan’s outspokenness and advocacy for social justice issues—such as her strong stance on gender equality—stood in contrast to Catherine’s more measured and traditional role within the royal family.

Wedding Drama and Growing Tensions

The cracks in their relationship became evident in the lead-up to Meghan and Harry’s wedding in 2018. Reports surfaced about a disagreement regarding Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress, with conflicting accounts on who was responsible for the fallout. Meghan claimed in her interview with Oprah Winfrey that Catherine made her cry, while other sources suggest that it was Meghan who brought Catherine to tears. Regardless of the true story, the incident underscored the cultural and personal differences between the two women.

At the wedding itself, Catherine was visibly reserved, her expressions giving little away. The body language between the two women was noticeably distant, contrasting with the joyous atmosphere surrounding the event. This event marked a turning point in how they interacted publicly moving forward.

Public Appearances and Increasingly Awkward Interactions

Following the wedding, there were several instances where body language experts and royal watchers noted the growing distance between Catherine and Meghan. During Trooping the Colour, Wimbledon, and Commonwealth Day services, their interactions appeared strained. Meghan, who had spoken in her Netflix documentary about adhering to subdued colors to blend in, was often seen standing behind Catherine at official events—a physical manifestation of her secondary role within the hierarchy.

One of the most striking moments came during a polo match in 2019, where Catherine and Meghan were photographed together with their children. Despite the optics of unity, there was a noticeable lack of engagement between the two. Meghan clutched baby Archie tightly, seemingly using him as a shield, while Catherine appeared preoccupied with her own children, making little effort to interact with Meghan.

The Sussexes’ Departure and the Commonwealth Day Snub

By early 2020, tensions within the royal family had reached a breaking point. Meghan and Harry’s announcement that they would step back from royal duties, commonly referred to as ‘Megxit,’ created shockwaves throughout the institution. Their final public engagement at the Commonwealth Day Service was marked by a particularly cold interaction between Catherine and Meghan.

Observers noted that Catherine barely acknowledged Meghan, despite previous attempts to mend fences. The seating arrangement—where Harry and Meghan were placed in a less prominent position—was interpreted by many as a deliberate move by the royal family to signal the Sussexes’ diminished status.

Post-Royal Life and Continued Rift

After their move to the United States, Meghan and Harry’s interviews and public statements deepened the divide. Meghan’s claims of racism within the royal institution, aired during her interview with Oprah, were met with a terse response from the Palace: “Recollections may vary.”

The publication of Prince Harry’s memoir Spare further solidified the fractures. In the book, Harry detailed instances of awkward interactions and underlying tensions, such as the infamous lip gloss incident, where Meghan asked to borrow Catherine’s lip gloss, only to be met with visible discomfort.

A Forced Reunion: Queen Elizabeth’s Passing

The death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 marked the first time in years that Catherine and Meghan were seen together again. Their joint appearance outside Windsor Castle alongside William and Harry was meant to be a show of unity, but the body language told another story. Catherine made a clear effort to maintain distance from Meghan, with little to no interaction between them.

During the funeral, Meghan was seated behind Catherine, once again reflecting the hierarchy within the royal family. Any hopes of reconciliation were further dashed following Harry and Meghan’s Netflix series, which criticized the monarchy and revealed more personal grievances.

The Role of Media and Institutional Constraints

Dr. Aparna Vashisht Rota, an expert in business strategy and DEI, highlights how media portrayal and institutional expectations exacerbated the divide. The British press positioned Catherine as the embodiment of tradition and stability, while Meghan was cast as the disruptor. This binary framing fueled public opinion and created a narrative of competition rather than camaraderie.

Furthermore, the rigid structure of the royal family left little room for Meghan’s more progressive approach. The institution’s resistance to change made it difficult for her to carve out a role that aligned with her values, leading to frustration and eventual departure.

Conclusion: A Rift That May Never Heal?

While royal family dynamics have always been complex, the public nature of Catherine and Meghan’s strained relationship underscores the challenges of balancing tradition with modernity. Their differences in personality, approach to royal duties, and responses to media scrutiny have cemented their estrangement.

As it stands, reconciliation seems unlikely. The wounds from past disagreements, coupled with ongoing media narratives, make it difficult for either side to bridge the gap. While Catherine remains firmly embedded within the monarchy, Meghan has built a new life outside of it. Whether time will heal this rift remains to be seen, but for now, the divisions within the royal family are more pronounced than ever.

---

This analysis by Dr. Aparna Vashisht Rota provides a comprehensive look at the complexities of Catherine and Meghan’s relationship, examining how personal differences, institutional challenges, and media narratives shaped one of the most talked-about royal rifts in recent history.