Kate Middleton's Cautious Three-Word Verdict on Meghan Markle After First Meeting
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, offered a cautious three-word verdict on Meghan Markle following their initial encounter, as disclosed in a new biography. According to royal editor Russell Myers' book, William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, Kate described Meghan as 'friendly' but also noted a second surprising aspect of the experience.
First Meeting Details and Royal Reactions
The biography reveals that Prince Harry introduced Meghan to his family after news of their relationship became public. During this introduction, Meghan reportedly charmed the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William immediately. However, when Kate met Meghan, she found her somewhat over-friendly, with what the book terms a "touch of California." This phrase suggests Kate perceived Meghan's demeanor as excessively warm or informal, possibly reflecting cultural differences between British reserve and American openness.
This meeting is part of broader insights into the royal family's dynamics during a period of significant change. The book, the first joint biography of the Prince and Princess of Wales in over a decade, delves into their resilience amid challenges such as media scrutiny and health crises, including Kate's and King Charles's cancer diagnoses.
Kate's Stance on the Sussexes' Royal Exit
In further revelations, the biography details Kate's perspective on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back from royal duties. Unlike Prince William, who was intensely saddened by his brother's choice, Kate showed less interest in persuading the couple to stay. She believed Harry's departure was "inevitable," given his desire to avoid being a "bit-part player" in the monarchy and his fundamental differences with William.
Over time, Kate realized she "could do no more to bring the brothers together," despite previously acting as a "voice of reason" during the deterioration of their relationship. This highlights her pragmatic approach to family conflicts within the royal framework.
Broader Context and Book Highlights
The biography also provides behind-the-scenes context on other key events, such as:
- The formation of the 'Cambridge way' as William and Kate shaped their vision for a modern monarchy.
- Reactions to the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the Sussexes' departure from royal life.
- Prince William's desire to banish Prince Andrew from royal duties after his 2019 BBC Newsnight interview.
- How Kate handled her shock cancer diagnosis, offering never-before-told insights into her personal strength.
Russell Myers, who has followed the royal couple for nearly a decade, describes the book as an intimate portrait that moves beyond headlines to explore love, resilience, and their journey through public duties in an era of turmoil. William and Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story is set for publication on February 26 and is currently available for pre-order, promising seismic revelations about the couple's private world.
