The passing of Katherine Worsley, the Duchess of Kent, on August 29, 2025, at age 92, has prompted reflection on her remarkable life of service and humility, qualities that stand in sharp contrast to the media frenzy surrounding Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. While the late Duchess dedicated decades to quiet charity work and shunned the limelight, Meghan’s high-profile moves—most recently her Netflix series With Love, Meghan—have fueled debates about self-promotion over duty. As tributes pour in for the Duchess of Kent, a question lingers: does her understated legacy highlight a divide in royal values, or is Meghan’s approach simply a modern twist?

The Duchess of Kent, married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, was a royal who embodied grace without fanfare. Known for her work with musical charities and her role presenting Wimbledon trophies, she preferred anonymity, teaching music in Hull as “Mrs. Kent” and volunteering at a children’s hospice. Her conversion to Catholicism in 1994, a bold move for a senior royal, was handled with discretion, earning her respect for her authenticity. “She served without seeking applause,” one X user wrote, while another Instagram post praised, “Her humility was her crown.” Her funeral at Canterbury Cathedral, attended by King Charles and Prince William, was a solemn affair, reflecting her wish for privacy.

In contrast, Meghan’s recent activities have kept her in the headlines. The August 2025 release of her Netflix series, showcasing her cooking and crafting with celebrity guests, has been criticized as a bid for attention rather than service. Her comments on The Circuit with Emily Chang, calling royal life “inauthentic” and lamenting rules like wearing nude tights, have sparked backlash for seeming self-focused. Social media is divided, with one TikTok user quipping, “Meghan’s all about the spotlight, while the Duchess of Kent shined quietly.” Another commented, “She’s building her brand, not a legacy.” The contrast raises a question: is Meghan’s public persona a modern evolution of royalty, or a departure from its core values?

The Duchess of Kent’s life was marked by selfless acts—scrubbing floors at Lourdes, counseling for the Samaritans, and supporting young musicians. Her reclusive later years, due to ill health, only deepened her mystique, with rare appearances at events like Prince Harry’s 2018 wedding underscoring her commitment to duty over fame. Meghan, however, has embraced a different path since leaving royal duties in 2020. Her Netflix ventures, philanthropy through Archewell, and candid interviews focus on personal authenticity, but critics argue they prioritize fame over service. “The Duchess of Kent lived for others; Meghan lives for herself,” one Reddit post claimed, igniting heated debate.

Harry’s absence from the Duchess’s funeral, despite his UK visit days later to honor Queen Elizabeth II, has added fuel to the narrative. Some see it as aligning with Meghan’s media-driven approach, with an X user noting, “Harry skipped a humble royal’s funeral but made time for a photo-op grave visit.” Others defend him, arguing, “He’s honoring his grandmother his way—leave him be.” The contrast between the Duchess’s quiet exit and Meghan’s high-profile projects prompts reflection: does modern royalty demand visibility, or is discretion still king?

Social media buzzes with comparisons. A viral TikTok video juxtaposed the Duchess’s Wimbledon moments with Meghan’s Netflix trailer, captioned, “Service vs. selfie—who’s the real royal?” Fans of Meghan counter that her openness about mental health and social justice aligns with a new era, with one Instagram user writing, “She’s redefining royalty for Gen Z!” Yet, the Duchess of Kent’s legacy—marked by empathy and anonymity—resonates as a timeless ideal. Will Meghan’s approach reshape perceptions of royal duty, or fade against the Duchess’s enduring example?

As the royal family mourns, the Duchess of Kent’s life stands as a beacon of humility, while Meghan’s journey sparks debate about fame and purpose. The question remains: can both approaches coexist in today’s monarchy, or is one destined to overshadow the other? For now, the Duchess’s quiet grace and Meghan’s bold spotlight keep the conversation alive, leaving fans to ponder the true essence of royalty.