How Princess Kate and Meghan Markle's relationship turned into frosty feud - from united front to wedding tears
A row in 2018 reportedly left a friendship in tatters...Kate, Princess of Wales, and Meghan Markle have face ‘feud’ rumours for some years – but what exactly happened in their friendship?
Kate married into the royal family in 2011, when she and Prince William tied the knot at Westminster Abbey. Meghan then joined the monarchy when she married Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel in May 2018.
However, over the years, Meghan and Harry’s relationship with the royals has become strained. Let’s take a look at how Meghan and Kate’s friendship in particular became frosty.
Princess Kate and Meghan Markle’s friendship began in 2017
The pair reportedly met early in 2017, shortly after Meghan began dating Harry. It’s said the first meeting went well.
In November 2017, Harry and Meghan announced their engagement and William and Kate seemed thrilled by the news.
Speaking to reporters during an engagement at the time, Kate gushed: “William and I are absolutely thrilled. It’s such exciting news. It’s a really happy time for any couple, and we wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this happy moment.”
In their official engagement interview, Meghan had some kind words for Kate too as she branded her “absolutely amazing”.
Then in December, Meghan and Kate made their first public appearance together on Christmas Day. For the first time, Meghan joined the royals for their traditional walkabout, greeting members of the public.
Meghan and Kate were all smiles as they walked alongside William and Harry.
Rumours over Princess Kate and Meghan Markle’s feud started ahead of royal wedding
Of course, wedding prep was going on in early 2018 ahead of Meghan and Harry’s big day in May.
During this time, Kate was pregnant with her son Prince Louis. It was said that she and Meghan were becoming good friends as Kate was supporting her future sister-in-law as she prepared for royal life.
A source at the time had claimed that the pair had “established a wonderful friendship”.
By March, some royal commentators had suggested that although Meghan and Kate got on, they were “different” people with different interests.
However, by the autumn time, rumours of a ‘feud’ began surrounding the pair, in late 2018, reports emerged claiming that Meghan Markle had left Princess Kate in tears in the lead-up to her wedding to Harry.
Kate ‘left in tears’ in bridesmaid dress row with Meghan
Royal commentator Camilla Tominey claimed sources had told her that Kate was left in tears over her daughter Princess Charlotte‘s bridesmaid dress fitting.
At the time, an insider told The Telegraph: “Kate had only just given birth to Prince Louis and was feeling quite emotional.”
It was claimed that Charlotte’s dress didn’t fit and a further fitting needed to be scheduled.
She brought me flowers and a note apologising.
In their 2021 interview with Oprah, Harry and Meghan addressed the reports. In the interview, Meghan claimed that it was actually Kate who made her cry.
She said: “A few days before the wedding, she was upset about something pertaining to flower girl dresses. And it made me cry.
“It was a really hard week of the wedding, and she was upset about something. But she owned it, and she apologised, and she brought me flowers and a note apologising. She did what I would do if I knew that I hurt someone, to just take accountability for it.”
Meghan said she didn’t want the story coming out in public. She said she “protected that from ever being out in the world”.
Text messages between Meghan and Kate
The argument was discussed again in Prince Harry’s memoir Spare in early 2023.
In the book, Harry shared text messages reportedly between Kate and Meghan. Harry said Kate had messaged Meghan saying that Charlotte was upset over the dress.
Meghan replied, asking if Kate could take Charlotte to Kensington Palace to have it altered. However, Kate reportedly wrote back and said the dresses needed to be remade.
Harry said Meghan was left “sobbing” over the exchange. He wrote in his memoir: “I was horrified to see her so upset, but I didn’t think it a catastrophe. Emotions were running high, of course, after the stress of the last week, the last month, the last day. It was intolerable – but temporary.
“Kate hadn’t meant any harm, I told her. Indeed the next morning Kate came by with flowers and a card that said she was sorry.”
Read more: Prince William and Harry’s brotherly moments caught on camera before royal feud erupted
Princess Kate and Meghan Markle’s friendship now
More recently, it’s unclear what state Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the royal family is in.
However, the couple did speak out when Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024.
In a statement, they said: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
What do you think led to Kate and Meghan’s feud? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.
