Harriet Phillips, the new wife of Peter Phillips, has painted a markedly different picture of royal life from the one depicted by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, describing Princess Catherine as warm and approachable and praising the welcome she received from the King and Queen.
In her first major interview since marrying Peter in June, Harriet described Catherine as "very open-hearted," saying she would feel comfortable approaching the Princess of Wales for guidance. She also recalled a relaxed family holiday in the Isles of Scilly, where the children played together in the water without the ceremony one might expect from Britain's most famous family.
Contrasting accounts of royal life
This contrasts with Meghan's recollection of meeting William and Catherine, when she admitted being surprised by the formality she encountered behind closed doors. While the Duke, 42, and Duchess of Sussex, 45, have reportedly been left frustrated by King Charles's decision to reaffirm their status as non-working royals, Harriet's account offers a different perspective.
The contrast raises an uncomfortable question: was the institution itself always the problem? Harriet's experience does not invalidate Meghan's, but it challenges the idea that warmth and approachability are absent from royal life.
A different approach to royal connections
Harriet, who worked in the NHS for 24 years specialising in children's mental health, has continued championing causes close to her heart, including her new patronage of Home-Start Cotswolds. She has spoken about the family's relaxed atmosphere while acknowledging the respect that comes with being connected to the monarchy.
Meghan, meanwhile, has repeatedly described the restrictions she encountered as a senior working royal, and Harry has publicly challenged the Palace over its handling of their circumstances. Their responsibilities were undoubtedly different, but respect and compromise remain essential in any family.
Embracing family and service
Harriet's professional achievements existed long before her marriage, and her charitable work appears to be a natural continuation of that career. Meghan also had a successful career before meeting Harry, but the Sussexes have since secured commercial deals while making their experiences within the monarchy a prominent part of their public story.
Harriet's interview demonstrates that it is possible to speak openly about royal connections while keeping the emphasis on family, service and charitable work. Although she is not a working royal, there is something refreshing about seeing those connections used to shine a spotlight on causes rather than conflict.
Harriet's revelations do not prove Meghan was wrong about her experiences, but they offer a reminder that the Royal Family is capable of the warmth and support the Duchess felt she lacked. While Harry and Meghan continue to challenge their place within the monarchy, Harriet's quieter approach suggests that sometimes the strongest statement is not another public confrontation, but simply getting on with life.
