When Meghan Markle first entered the British royal family, there was a wave of excitement and hope that she, alongside Prince Harry, would bring a fresh and modern face to the monarchy. However, according to royal author Robert Jobson, this new dynamic reportedly stirred feelings of jealousy and pettiness within the family, particularly from Princess Kate and Prince William.
A Promising Start Turns Sour
In his new book, Catherine, the Princess of Wales: The Biography, Jobson details the early days of Meghan Markle’s marriage to Prince Harry and the challenges it presented to the royal family. As Meghan quickly captured the hearts of the British public with her charm and charisma, William and Kate were allegedly unsettled by the attention she and Harry were receiving.
Initially, Meghan and Harry were celebrated as the fresh new face of the royal family. Their wedding in May 2018 was a global event that captured the imagination of millions. However, their rise to prominence reportedly left William feeling overshadowed.
Jobson writes that William found it difficult to cope with the Sussexes’ newfound limelight, especially in the lead-up to their wedding. The public was eager to welcome Meghan, seeing her as a breath of fresh air for the monarchy. The media dubbed them “the new kids on the block,” and their popularity was at an all-time high.
Tensions on Display
According to Jobson, signs of tension between the two couples became publicly visible as early as January 2018. At the time, William debuted a new haircut on the same day Harry and Meghan had an engagement in Cardiff, which, according to some royal watchers, seemed to be an attempt to shift attention back to himself.
Further indications of the rift were evident during the Royal Foundation Forum held a few months later. The forum was initially intended to showcase the collaboration between the two royal couples. However, the event underscored the simmering tension between them.
During the forum, when Prince William admitted that they had “family disagreements,” Harry chimed in, saying, “They are healthy disagreements.” His light-hearted tone was palpable, yet it was clear there was an underlying strain. When asked for more details, Harry jokingly replied, “I can’t remember, they come so thick and fast.”
Jobson explains, “At first, public reaction to Meghan was overwhelmingly positive, with ‘the new kids on the block’ hogging most of the headlines – to the point that William and Catherine may have unconsciously raised their game. There were whispers of pettiness, even jealousy.”
Incidents of Pettiness?
The alleged rivalry between the two couples was not limited to public appearances. Jobson recounts instances of apparent pettiness and perceived slights that further fueled the discord. One such anecdote involved Meghan borrowing lip gloss from Kate. According to Jobson, Harry felt that Kate handed it over reluctantly, reportedly grimacing after Meghan applied it with her finger. Such minor incidents, whether exaggerated or not, added to the growing narrative of a rift between the couples.
When Harry first introduced Meghan to his family, they made efforts to welcome her. However, Jobson claims that William harbored concerns that his brother was rushing into marriage. Despite these apprehensions, the public statements made at the time seemed supportive.
When Harry and Meghan’s engagement was announced in November 2017, Kate expressed her excitement, stating, “William and I are thrilled. It’s such exciting news. It’s a happy time for any couple, and we wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this happy moment.” King Charles also showed his approval, remarking, “She is so intelligent and so nice. She makes Harry happy. We could not like her more.”
A Divide in Living Standards
Another source of contention was reportedly the stark contrast in living conditions between the two couples. While William and Kate enjoyed the expansive accommodations of Kensington Palace, Harry and Meghan resided in the comparatively modest Nottingham Cottage on the same estate.
A source close to the situation commented, “I am not saying Meghan was jealous, but she was surprised how lavishly Harry’s brother was living compared to where they were living. It was perhaps the beginning of all the tensions between the couples.” This perceived inequality in resources and status likely contributed to the growing rift.
A Legacy of Unresolved Tensions
The dynamics between the two royal couples have continued to evolve, especially since Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their royal duties and relocate to California. While the couples have publicly maintained a facade of unity, Jobson’s book suggests that these tensions may have left a lasting impact on the relationships within the royal family.
As the world watches the unfolding story of the British monarchy, the insights provided by Jobson’s biography offer a glimpse into the complex relationships that define one of the most famous families in the world. Whether these tensions will be resolved remains uncertain, but the narrative of jealousy and rivalry adds yet another layer to the ongoing saga of the British royals.
