Kate Middleton reportedly made efforts to establish a friendly relationship with Meghan Markle, but early warning signs in Meghan's behavior indicated potential conflicts, according to royal expert Ingrid Seward.

When Meghan Markle joined the British royal family, public anticipation was high that she, along with Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry, would form a dynamic foursome. However, the reality diverged sharply as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex opted for a separate household and eventually stepped back from royal duties, relocating to the United States.

Ingrid Seward, royal biographer and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, disclosed that Middleton initially sought to foster a bond with Markle. "Kate tried to get along with Meghan," Seward told The Sun's Fabulous. "Harry had been part of their little Kensington Palace family and Kate knew he wanted to be married. She also longed for him to be happy. But Kate saw the warning signs in Meghan's behavior, especially around the time of the wedding."

The period surrounding the royal wedding was fraught with tensions and allegations. Markle faced accusations of being a bridezilla, particularly over a reported dispute about the tiara she intended to wear. Additionally, there was an infamous row over bridesmaid dresses, which reportedly left Middleton in tears. Markle, however, refuted these claims during her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, suggesting that it was Middleton who made her cry.

Seward mentioned that the early indicators of a rift between Middleton and Markle were subtle but significant. She pointed out that Markle struggled with her position within the royal hierarchy. "But we now know that Meghan hated being considered second best to the then Duchess of Cambridge," Seward noted. "Kate had bagged the number one man whereas Meghan only had the 'spare' son in Prince Harry. Most women wouldn't even think about that. But Meghan was so insecure and anxious about her own status she took everything as a slight."

Sarah Hewson, a broadcaster and royal correspondent, echoed Seward’s sentiments on The Sun's "Royal Exclusive." Hewson suggested that Markle's discomfort with playing a secondary role contributed to the tensions. "We're told Meghan didn't like playing second fiddle," Hewson said. "Well, they wouldn't have been playing second fiddle right now, would they? They would have been front and center and they could have played such a key role and I think it's really, really sad to see just how things have changed. He and Meghan both actually could have made such a difference."

The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from royal duties has undeniably altered the dynamics within the royal family. Despite initial hopes for a close-knit group, the relationship between the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex became strained, influenced by both personal and hierarchical challenges.

The insights from royal experts highlight a complex interplay of personalities and expectations within the royal family. Middleton's initial attempts at friendship were met with unforeseen complications, contributing to a widening rift that has since garnered widespread public and media attention.