Kate Middleton's Steadfast Image Amid Royal Controversies
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been a beacon of consistency in the ever-turbulent world of the British monarchy. As Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's revelations have shaken the foundations of the royal family, Kate has managed to remain largely unscathed, continuing to be a fan favorite.
The journey of Kate Middleton from Prince William's college sweetheart at St Andrews to a formidable figure within the royal establishment has been closely observed by the world. Eddie Coram James, a public relations expert, recently weighed in on Kate's enduring public image. He stated, "The Princess of Wales has remained broadly controversy-free for years. She’s kept her head down, not made a fuss, worked hard and dedicated herself to good causes." This sentiment was further echoed when Kate chose to skip William's Earthshot Prize event to focus on parenting, a decision that resonated with many.
However, the relationship between Kate and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been a topic of much speculation and discussion. Meghan, in the docuseries "Harry & Meghan," painted a picture of William and Kate as being somewhat rigid. Recalling her initial interactions with the couple, Meghan mentioned, “I was a hugger and have always been a hugger. I didn’t realize that that was really jarring for a lot of Brits.” She further added, “There is a forward-facing way of being, and then you close the door and you are like, ‘Oh, great. We can relax now.’ But that formality carries over on both sides. And that was surprising to me.”
The infamous incident that reportedly left Kate in tears over a disagreement about Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid dress was also addressed by Meghan during her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Contrary to the narrative, Meghan clarified, "The reverse happened. And I don’t say that to be disparaging to anyone, because it was a really hard week of the wedding. And she was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologized. And she brought me flowers and a note, apologizing."
While Kate's image remains largely untarnished, the same cannot be said for Prince Harry. Royal commentator Ingrid Seward highlighted how Harry's position within the royal family has shifted, especially after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She remarked, “Prince Harry’s place in the royal family has changed dramatically since the death of his grandmother and his father became King. Instead of the prominent role, he would have had, Harry was relegated to the bottom of the royal list. Almost but not quite an outsider.”
In the midst of all the royal drama, Kate Middleton's ability to remain controversy-free stands out. Her dedication to her duties, her family, and her commitment to good causes have solidified her place as a beloved figure in the public eye.