Princess Kate's appearance at Wimbledon has once again highlighted her role as a key asset for the Royal Family, demonstrating that Meghan Markle's presence is not required for the monarchy's modern image. According to an opinion piece by Eleanor Burleigh, Kate's solo outing at the tournament proved her to be the epitome of good PR, a stark contrast to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's departure from royal duties.
Wimbledon 2026: A Solo Triumph for Kate
On Sunday, the Princess of Wales donned an elegant olive-green midi dress while presenting the men's trophy to Jannik Sinner, with her husband Prince William and their children watching proudly from the stands. Her involvement throughout the tournament included leading tributes to British wildcard Arthur Fery when he stormed into the semi-finals, a masterstroke in PR that showcased her relevance as patron of the All England Club with characteristic class.
This year's Wimbledon marked a significant moment for Kate, who attended the ladies' singles final with Meghan Markle in July 2019. Back then, Kate seemed keen to show her new sister-in-law the ropes, but that outing was their last solo appearance together before Meghan and Prince Harry stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and moved to the US.
Megxit's Aftermath: Failed Ventures vs. Royal Resilience
Following their departure, Harry and Meghan launched a series of commercial ventures, including a Netflix documentary and a memoir, which have been described as failed and quasi royal tours. Meanwhile, Kate's recent Wimbledon appearance proved that the royal brand remains strong despite their exit. The princess's steadfast public presence has consolidated her reputation, making her the second-most popular member of the Royal Family, according to multiple pollsters including YouGov, trailing only her husband Prince William.
Among the reasons cited for her popularity are her commitment to duty, grace in navigating her public profile, and enduring warmth and approachability. In contrast, Meghan has faced bullying rumours, clashes with royal tradition, and accusations of relentless self-promotion, making it difficult for the public to associate her with those positive traits.
No Way Back for Harry and Meghan
Speculation has mounted over Harry and Meghan's desire to return to the royal fold after a recent trip to Britain earlier this month. However, the Wales's warm family display at Wimbledon cut to the heart of William's vision as King, one that Meghan has no place in. As the opinion piece concludes, under a monarchy headed by William, Harry and Meghan may find there is no way back, as they simply aren't needed.
