Meghan Markle reportedly can’t bear Kate’s popularity

Meghan Markle remains resentful over Kate Middleton’s continued public support, with an expert describing it as a mix of jealousy, frustration, and a sense of being judged by a different rulebook after Meghan and Prince Harry stepped away from royal duties in

The feeling isn’t subtle in the retelling. Meghan Markle, according to expert Catherine Mayer, “can’t bear” Kate Middleton’s continued popularity—an emotion Mayer links to the fallout after Meghan and Prince Harry’s dramatic exit from The Firm in 2020.

Mayer makes the claim in her book, Divide and Rule, and her comments have circulated alongside allegations that Meghan wants “revenge” over the backlash tied to that departure. The picture painted is one of long resentment rather than a simple clash of personalities.

There’s also the question of how the public—and the royal framework—sees them. Meghan reportedly believes she and Kate have never been especially close, and an insider says Meghan feels she’s been treated differently from the future Queen of England.

“She [Meghan] feels like she’s constantly being judged by a completely different rulebook,” a source told Star Magazine. “No matter what she does, Kate will be the golden girl and she will be the villain.”

That sense of unequal treatment is said to extend beyond Meghan herself and onto Prince Harry. The 44-year-old reportedly feels that her husband isn’t valued within The Firm in the same way Prince William is—especially when it comes to sharing pictures of their children with the world.

“There’s one set of rules for William and Kate and another for them,” the source noted. “All the resentment over the double standard is bubbling up again.”

The insider argues that Kate and William use their children as part of the royal image and the family’s branding. while Meghan is criticized even for the smallest glimpse of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. “[Kate and William] are very clearly using their children as part of the royal image and the branding of the family. ” the insider said. “Yet Meghan’s been criticized for even including the smallest glimpse of [Prince] Archie and [Princess] Lilibet.”.

The gap between the duchesses is also framed as personal style and emotional tone. “Kate’s the quintessential Brit who’s terribly reserved and somewhat inward with her emotions,” the source told the publication. “The actress on the other hand ‘speaks her mind,’ and ‘is not afraid to amend and improve the status quo. They’ve always been poles apart and Meghan just wishes people would stop comparing them.’”.

For all the tension described around public perception, Kate Middleton’s recent visibility hasn’t slowed. The former Duchess of Cambridge recently completed a successful solo tour of Italy following her battle with cancer. In a video post tagged @catherineprincesadegales. she wrote: “I’m so moved by all the love people have for our Princess. Thank you Italy for welcoming her in such a beautiful way. My eyes fill with tears seeing how warmly you express your affection. 🩵💙 #royalvisit #princesskate #katemiddleton #catherineprincessofwales #catherineprincesadegales.”.

A former staffer, Ailsa Anderson, told People: “She is our future Queen. As Queen Elizabeth II used to say, you have to be seen to be believed.” Anderson added, “She is glamorous, she is beautiful. She is warm and approachable.”

“She knows the eyes of the world are on her,” Anderson continued. “It is a clear signal she is back in business.”

Taken together, the claims point to a single emotional fault line: Meghan’s reported inability to reconcile her own experience of backlash and judgment with the public affection Kate continues to receive—even as Kate steps back into prominent visibility across Italy.

Meghan Markle Kate Middleton Catherine Mayer Divide and Rule Star Magazine Prince Harry Prince William Trooping the Colour Suits The Firm Italy tour Princess of Wales royal family