Princess Kate's effortless way with strangers feels like a superpower, writes Chris Riches. Her unique and deft common touch shines like a beacon, standing in remarkable contrast to Meghan Markle, who appears awkward with the British public and celebrities alike.
Kate's Three Peaks Challenge
At the end of June, the Princess of Wales completed the 23-mile Three Peaks Challenge in less than 24 hours to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This gruelling slog is notable because it was not long ago she was undergoing cancer treatment. Having had cancer myself, I know it can take years to physically and mentally recover. Kate has been in remission since January 2025, a year after her planned abdominal surgery uncovered cancer and led to chemotherapy.
During the challenge, she developed a friendship with an 11-year-old paraplegic boy named Ted from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands. Ted was pushed and carried in his wheelchair by his father Pete and 15 other family members and friends to raise money for children's charity Molly Ollys. On each mountain, they met up for a natter, and Kate has since donated to Ted's fundraiser. Ted hailed her as "amazing and incredible."
Wimbledon Mingling
During the first week at Wimbledon, Kate eschewed the Royal Box to sit with ordinary punters at the back of the smaller outside courts, watching less glamorous matches. This contrasts sharply with Meghan, who—considering she is an actress—looks so awkward meeting people. There is no way she would have missed out on the chance to flog some jam to a Royal Box-full of A-listers.
Meghan's Awkwardness
Meghan's Netflix show, 'With Love, Meghan', demonstrated that she can be equally uneasy with celebrities. In one episode, America's arch-queen of woke comedy, Mindy Kaling, dropped by Montecito to help Meghan plan a kid-friendly tea party in the garden. As they discussed the US fast food brand Jack In The Box, Mindy excitedly muttered, "I don’t think anyone in the world knows that Meghan Markle has eaten Jack In the Box!" Without a hint of humour, Meghan's prickly reply was: "It's so funny, you keep saying Meghan Markle—you know I'm Sussex now?" The whole Netflix series is cringy to watch, yet she is a professional actress.
If Meghan does end up joining Harry during his time back in the UK, it is unlikely Prince William and Kate will be posing with them side-by-side, or even meeting them. But the British public will be watching Meghan like hawks to see how she matches up to our future queen. It may not be a favourable verdict for the American.
