Meghan Markle's latest public appearance in Canada has drawn comparisons to Princess Kate, highlighting her ongoing struggle to escape the royal shadow she left behind. The Duchess of Sussex, 45, stepped out with Prince Harry in a dramatic £1,329 Greta Constantine gown, complete with Princess Diana's diamonds, aiming for a headline-grabbing moment. However, within hours, royal watchers were comparing her to the Princess of Wales.
Fashion Comparisons
The gown's silhouette was similar to a dress Kate wore at Wimbledon in July, leading to immediate comparisons. This is not the first time the two have been compared, but it underscores a recurring pattern for Meghan, who has spent six years trying to prove she doesn't need the Royal Family to remain relevant.
Despite walking away from royal life in 2020, the Sussexes' headlines remain intertwined with the institution they left. Meghan's recent actions, including sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of family life during the Invictus Games countdown, have kept her in the royal news cycle without being physically present.
The Faux Royal Tour
In April, the Sussexes' trip to Australia was described as a "faux royal tour," complete with receptions, engagements, and a carefully curated wardrobe. The absence of an official royal role was a notable detail, yet the event looked remarkably familiar to a royal tour.
Meghan appears determined to retain the attention, ceremony, and international platform that came with royal life, while remaining separate from the institution that gives those things significance. In contrast, Kate's position is clear: she is royalty, and her platform is built into her role.
Different Paths
Kate has spent years developing her work on early childhood development, culminating in a long-term project associated with her public role. Meghan, on the other hand, has launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, as a defining second act. Yet the comparison remains: Kate's influence comes from a role she has grown into, while Meghan must continually create new platforms to maintain hers.
This week's fashion overlap is almost beside the point. Meghan's appearance should have been her moment, but Kate ended up in the conversation without saying a word or attending the event. The contrast between their positions today couldn't be more different.
The Uncomfortable Truth
Meghan can launch brands, stage high-profile appearances, and embark on trips that resemble royal tours, but she cannot manufacture what Kate possesses: the position of Princess of Wales, wife of the future King, and mother of the heir. She sits at the heart of the monarchy Meghan chose to leave.
Meghan can spend years trying to prove she commands the same attention from afar, but she cannot replicate Kate's position or compete her way back into it. The more she appears to measure herself against Kate, the more obvious the gulf between their lives becomes. Meghan doesn't need to become the Californian answer to Princess Kate; she needs to work out what being Meghan Markle actually means.
