Before Meghan Markle tied the knot with Prince Harry in 2018, she was allegedly given a stark warning about the realities of royal life by close friends of Kate Middleton. According to royal insiders, the Duchess of Cambridge's inner circle described the institution as 'toxic' and warned Meghan about the intense scrutiny she would face.
Royal expert Kate Williams revealed that these warnings were meant to prepare Meghan for the challenges ahead, but may have inadvertently contributed to the growing tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family. 'It was well-intentioned advice,' Williams explained, 'but it perhaps set the tone for Meghan's difficult transition into royal life.'
The Royal Divide
The revelations come amid ongoing speculation about the strained relationship between the Cambridges and Sussexes. While both couples initially appeared close, their paths diverged significantly after Harry and Meghan's decision to step back as senior royals in 2020.
Sources suggest that Meghan found the adjustment to royal protocols particularly challenging, especially when compared to Kate's more gradual introduction to royal life. 'Kate had nearly a decade to adapt before becoming Duchess,' one insider noted. 'Meghan was expected to hit the ground running.'
A Clash of Styles
The differences in their approaches became increasingly apparent during their joint royal engagements. Where Kate typically followed traditional royal etiquette, Meghan often brought a more modern, informal style to her duties - something that reportedly caused friction behind palace doors.
Royal commentators suggest these early warnings about the 'toxic' nature of royal life may have shaped Meghan's perspective from the beginning, potentially influencing her eventual decision to leave the UK with Harry. The couple now resides in California with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
