Revelations from royal insiders suggest that Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, initially avoided meeting Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s then-girlfriend, for as long as possible, with sources claiming her reservations stemmed from a place of genuine concern rather than malice. According to accounts detailed in recent reports, Kate’s hesitation was influenced by media portrayals of Meghan and protective instincts toward Harry, whom she viewed as a younger brother. While the two women eventually met in January 2017, the delay has been cited as an early indicator of the tensions that would later define their relationship, culminating in the broader rift between the Sussexes and the Waleses.

The story emerged prominently in a Daily Mail article, drawing from royal author Christopher Andersen’s insights and anonymous sources close to the royals. A friend of Kate’s from her days at Marlborough College described her “initial reluctance” as coming “from a good place,” explaining that Kate had been acting as a “substitute big sister” to Harry, wary of anyone potentially taking advantage of him. “I think she was a little frightened by what she was reading,” the source reportedly said, referring to tabloid coverage of Meghan’s background as an American actress and her previous marriage. Andersen added that Kate’s concerns may have mirrored Prince William’s own apprehensions about the speed of Harry’s romance, which began in July 2016 after a blind date setup.

Harry and Meghan’s relationship moved quickly: By October 2016, Harry issued a rare public statement defending Meghan from media harassment, and by November, Kensington Palace confirmed they were dating. Despite William and Harry’s efforts to arrange introductions, Kate reportedly “side-stepped” opportunities to meet Meghan for months. Their first encounter finally occurred in January 2017 at Nottingham Cottage, where Harry lived, over a casual dinner with William and Kate. Initial accounts painted a positive picture—Meghan described Kate as “wonderful” in their engagement interview later that year—but later revelations suggested underlying awkwardness. In the Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” the Duchess recalled being in ripped jeans and barefoot, hugging the couple, only to find the gesture “jarring” for British royals.

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Kate Middleton Once Offered Meghan Markle Flowers to Try to Repair …

Kate Elizabeth Middleton, born January 9, 1982, in Reading, England, grew up in a middle-class family in Bucklebury, Berkshire. Her parents, Michael and Carole, built a successful party supplies business, affording Kate and her siblings Pippa and James a privileged education at Marlborough College. Kate excelled in sports and academics, later studying art history at the University of St. Andrews, where she met William in 2001. Their relationship, marked by a brief 2007 split, led to a 2010 engagement and a 2011 wedding watched by billions. As Duchess of Cambridge (elevated to Princess of Wales in 2022), Kate became known for her poise, fashion sense, and advocacy in mental health and early childhood development through initiatives like Heads Together and Shaping Us.

Meghan Rachel Markle, born August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, had a different upbringing. Daughter of Doria Ragland, a yoga instructor, and Thomas Markle, a lighting director, Meghan navigated a biracial identity amid her parents’ 1987 divorce. She attended Northwestern University, majoring in theater and international studies, before pursuing acting. Her breakout role as Rachel Zane on “Suits” from 2011 to 2018 brought fame, alongside humanitarian work with UN Women and World Vision. Previously married to producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013, Meghan was an established advocate for women’s rights when she met Harry.

The brothers’ dynamic played a role in Kate’s stance. William, protective of Harry after their mother Princess Diana’s 1997 death, reportedly advised caution, telling Harry to “take as much time as you need to get to know this girl.” Harry interpreted this as snobbery in his 2023 memoir “Spare,” escalating family tensions. Kate, having formed a close bond with Harry—often including him in family events—shared similar worries, per sources.

Post-meeting, the foursome appeared united. Meghan joined royal events, including the 2018 Trooping the Colour and Wimbledon outings with Kate. Their May 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle seemed harmonious, with Kate’s children as pageboys and flower girls. However, cracks emerged. Reports of a pre-wedding argument over bridesmaid dresses—detailed in “Spare” as Kate making Meghan cry, contradicting initial tabloid claims—highlighted friction. Meghan later clarified in her 2021 Oprah interview that the reverse occurred, adding to the narrative of palace bullying.

By 2019, the Sussexes separated households from the Cambridges, establishing Frogmore Cottage. Tensions boiled over in January 2020 with “Megxit,” as Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior roles, citing media intrusion and lack of support. Their move to California and Archewell Foundation ventures followed. The Oprah interview revealed Meghan’s suicidal thoughts and racism concerns regarding son Archie, straining relations further.

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Meghan Markle’s First Interaction with Kate Middleton Was “Jarring”

“Spare” detailed alleged physical confrontations between the brothers and Kate’s role in disputes, including a text exchange over the dresses that left Meghan in tears. Harry claimed Kate gripped her chair tightly during a 2019 reconciliation attempt, while Meghan accused Kate of stereotyping her as an “angry Black woman” in the Netflix series. Kate, meanwhile, focused on her duties amid her 2025 cancer diagnosis, announcing remission in September after chemotherapy.

Public perceptions vary. Some view Kate’s caution as prudent, given the rapid romance and media scrutiny; others see it as elitism. Social media reactions to the delay story include X posts calling it “protective sibling energy,” while Reddit threads on r/SaintMeghanMarkle speculate on deeper jealousies. A YouTube video analyzing the claims has millions of views, with comments debating the “good place” rationale.

The rift persists. Harry attended solo UK events in 2025, like the WellChild Awards, without family meetings. Kate and William’s 2026 engagements, including a Scottish trip, proceed without Sussex involvement. Insiders suggest reconciliation is unlikely, with William prioritizing his father’s health and his own heir role.

Kate’s initial dodge, while brief, set a tone. As one source noted, her resistance didn’t last, but early dynamics foreshadowed the divide. Today, with separate continents and lives, the once-potential sisterly bond remains fractured, a casualty of royal pressures and personal choices.

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Inside Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s Royal Ups and Downs | Us …