Royal reporter Lauren Welch has sided with Meghan Markle fans, arguing that Harriet Phillips would not have received the same reaction as Meghan if she had released a similar magazine interview. Welch's opinion piece, published on November 7, 2026, highlights the differing treatment of royal figures in the media.
Harriet Phillips' 22-Page Feature
Harriet Phillips, who married Princess Anne's only son Peter in June, has been a member of the Royal Family for less than five months. She has already secured a 22-page magazine feature, including the front cover, with a full interview about her new life as part of the Firm. The interview, published in HELLO!, covered her relationship with her in-laws and her admiration for Princess Catherine.
The interview received a very positive response, with Phillips praised for her smooth transition into royal life. A Palace source reportedly said nobody was "remotely bothered" by the interview, describing how it captured Phillips' charitable work and joy at joining the Royal Family.
Timing and Criticism
Welch noted that the interview was released during King Charles and Queen Camilla's nine-day tour in the Caribbean, yet there has been little, if any, criticism of Phillips' decision to step out at such a time. The reporter questioned whether the Duchess of Sussex would have received the same reaction if she had released a similar interview while the King and Queen were on an overseas tour.
Meghan has frequently found herself at the forefront of criticism, with accusations of overshadowing royal tours and visits. Even when the Sussexes have undertaken their own projects, the attention surrounding them has been met with intense scrutiny and accusations about wanting to steal the limelight.
Fans Question the Double Standard
Turning to X, fans jumped to Meghan's defence, with one sharing that royal fans "would have so much to say" if it were a new interview with her. Welch acknowledged that Phillips' interview was incredibly positive and that Peter himself is a lesser-known royal compared to Prince Harry, but she argued that the comparison should not be ignored.
Meghan's supporters are questioning why similar decisions to engage with the media can elicit different reactions depending on who makes them. Welch concluded that she finds it difficult to disagree with them, stating that Meghan's fans are entitled to ask whether she would have received the same reaction.
