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When it comes to the royal family, it’s no secret that Meghan Markle was not greeted with the same warm welcome as Kate Middleton. Sure, she had her admirers and supporters (the Queen in particular among them), but her very presence sowed a constant conflict with the UK public, royal commentators and those within the family for whom tradition is particularly important. Part of this backlash was racism, outright, an unfavorable reaction to Meghan becoming the UK’s first black royalty in recent memory. But a new theory about how Kate Middleton took cues from Prince Philip in her relationship with Prince William may be an additional key to understanding why Meghan just didn’t seem to fit in.
Royal biographer Penny Junor was the one who drew the connection between Kate and Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II of more than 70 years. Ever since William is online to be king, Kate has always taken the position of a silent follower, in the same way that Philip positions himself with the Queen.
While Kate’s support for her husband over the years has been admirable, it is immediately clear how this model would not work for Meghan and Prince Harry. On the one hand, Meghan entered into a relationship with her own celebrity and with a global fan base. Regardless of whether her intention had been to “outshine” Harry, the public was inevitably more interested in her actions than Harry’s at various times, a reaction that was probably poorly received by the royal family.
Putting conspiracy theories aside, it would not have been impossible for Meghan to imitate Philip and the Queen’s relationship; There are no signs that it would have been a useful tactical move, or that Harry even wanted her to do it. Since Harry is not directly on the throne line, he doesn’t need to establish himself as an authoritative figure, as William might want, or for Meghan to dedicate her public persona to her husband’s rise, as Kate may have wanted. .
And given Harry’s mixed past with the media, there is no sign that the ex-king has ever wanted to be the center of attention, a theory strengthened by his decision to leave the royal family with Meghan. In fact, Harry may have secretly hoped to be the Philip of Queen Elizabeth of Meghan, a silent supporter determined not to overshadow his powerful wife leader. In any case, it seems more likely that Meghan will adopt the same stance that Kate and Philip took.
In their new life in North America, Meghan and Harry will not be bound by any royal family tradition. But as Kate becomes firmly entrenched royalty, it will be interesting to keep tracing the path she has chosen, and Meghan has refused.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Baby Archie
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