Meghan Markle once made a very revealing remark about Kate Middleton following their first meeting, a comment that has taken on fresh significance amid reports of a deep rift between the two women.
Although relations between Meghan Markle and Kate are now believed to be strained, there was a time when the two appeared to share a warm and supportive bond.
Harry and Meghan began dating in 2016, announced their engagement the following year, and married in 2018.
During their televised engagement interview in 2017, filmed at Nottingham Cottage, the Sussexes spoke openly about Meghan’s first encounter with William and Catherine.
Recalling the meeting, Harry explained that both his brother and sister-in-law were eager to welcome Meghan into the family.
“William was longing to meet her and so was Catherine,” he said.
“So, you know, being our neighbours, we managed to get that in a couple of, well quite a few times now, and Catherine has been absolutely…”
Meghan then finished his sentence with a succinct but telling three-word remark: “She’s been wonderful.”
Harry went on to echo the sentiment, adding: “Amazing, as has William as well, you know, fantastic support.”
At the time, the exchange painted a picture of harmony and goodwill between the couples, reinforcing the image of a united and modern royal quartet.
However, that narrative would later shift dramatically.
In the couple’s 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, Meghan suggested that her early experiences with William and Kate were more uncomfortable than first portrayed.
“Even when Will and Kate came over, and I met her for the first time, they came over for dinner, I remember I was in ripped jeans and I was barefoot,” Meghan said.
“Like I was a hugger, I’ve always been a hugger. I didn’t realise that that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.”
She added that the experience made her quickly realise that royal formality extended beyond public appearances.
“I guess I started to understand really quickly that the formality on the outside carried through on the inside,” she explained.