When Meghan Markle stepped into the royal spotlight, she faced a whirlwind of new expectations.
It quickly became clear that her views on royal life clashed with those of her sister-in-law, Princess Catherine.
Insights from royal expert Tom Quinn’s book, Yes Ma’am, The Secret Life of Royal Servants, reveal just how pronounced these differences were.
According to the book, which draws on accounts from royal staff, Meghan had strong opinions about Catherine’s approach to her royal duties.
From the outset, it was evident that Meghan envisioned a different path for herself within the royal family.
An insider noted that her desire to redefine her role was unlikely to be embraced by the institution.
A former courtier of Queen Elizabeth II pointed out that Meghan struggled to grasp the hierarchical nature of the monarchy, where the queen remained the focal point.
This lack of understanding made it difficult for Meghan to accept that adhering to royal protocols was part and parcel of her new life.
One of Meghan’s critiques of Catherine was her perception that Catherine was overly eager to please, labeling her a “goody two shoes.”
Meghan interpreted Catherine’s adherence to royal protocol as blind obedience rather than a nuanced understanding of the monarchy’s workings.
This perspective created a rift between the two women, as Meghan felt that Catherine’s compliance was excessive.
In contrast, a former staff member at Kensington Palace painted a different picture of Catherine.
Described as someone who took the time to learn the intricacies of royal life, Catherine adopted a more patient approach.
She absorbed the customs and expectations that came with being a royal, benefiting from coaching not only from Prince William but also from palace staff.
This guidance was crucial in helping her navigate the challenges that had previously troubled figures like Princess Diana.
By the time Meghan arrived on the scene, Catherine had already established strong connections within the palace.
Despite facing her share of gossip and scrutiny, she managed to cultivate resilience, which allowed her to adapt to royal life more seamlessly than Meghan.
What Meghan viewed as Catherine’s subservience, Catherine considered an integral part of fulfilling her royal responsibilities.
This fundamental difference in their outlook likely exacerbated tensions between the two.
Insiders suggest that Meghan believed she possessed a superior understanding of royal life compared to an institution steeped in over a millennium of tradition.
Conversely, Catherine was steadfast in her commitment to uphold the monarchy’s long-standing customs.
Now, as Princess Catherine stands poised to become queen, her deep understanding of the royal institution appears to serve her well.
Meanwhile, Meghan and Prince Harry seem to have found a greater sense of contentment in California, away from the intense scrutiny of royal life in the UK.
Reflecting on these dynamics, it becomes apparent that Meghan may not have been suited for the rigid demands of royal existence.
Both couples are now pursuing lives that resonate more closely with their individual values.
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