In the heart of London, the British royal family found itself once again at the center of a swirling controversy. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have ignited fresh speculation with their latest public actions, prompting accusations that they are deliberately attempting to upstage Princess Kate amid her ongoing recovery and phased return to royal duties. This latest chapter in the ongoing saga of royal rivalries has reignited debates about the dynamics within the monarchy, the Sussexes’ intentions, and the delicate balance of public attention in the royal sphere. With Kate’s recent absence from high-profile events like Royal Ascot and the persistent scrutiny surrounding her health, the timing of Harry and Meghan’s moves has raised eyebrows and fueled a narrative of intentional spotlight rivalry.

The roots of this tension trace back to the Sussexes’ decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, a move that has since been followed by a series of high-profile media ventures, including their Netflix docuseries and Meghan’s recent podcast appearances. On June 19, 2025, Meghan released a viral video showcasing a lighthearted dance routine, which amassed over 46 million views within hours, coinciding with Princess Kate’s noticeable absence from the Royal Ascot procession. This event, traditionally a showcase for senior royals, saw Kate withdraw due to what sources described as an administrative error, leaving Prince William to attend solo. The juxtaposition of Meghan’s social media splash and Kate’s withdrawal has led some royal watchers to question whether the Sussexes are strategically timing their public engagements to draw attention away from the Princess of Wales during a vulnerable period.

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been a focal point of public concern since her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Her phased return to public life, marked by cautious appearances and a commitment to shielding her health journey from excessive scrutiny, has endeared her to many. However, her absence from Royal Ascot—where she was initially listed to participate—has sparked renewed speculation about her condition. Body language experts noted Prince William’s subdued demeanor during the event, suggesting a man carrying the weight of his wife’s health challenges and the pressures of royal duty. Against this backdrop, Meghan’s decision to share a personal, attention-grabbing moment has been interpreted by some as a calculated move to shift the narrative, a perception amplified by the Sussexes’ history of leveraging media platforms to assert their presence.

Royal commentators have been quick to weigh in, with opinions sharply divided. Some argue that Harry and Meghan’s actions reflect a natural evolution of their post-royal life in the United States, where they have built a brand around authenticity and personal storytelling. The dance video, part of Meghan’s broader reentry into social media with her As Ever brand, was framed as a celebration of family and joy, featuring glimpses of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Yet, the timing—mere hours after Kate’s withdrawal was announced—has fueled skepticism. Critics suggest that the Sussexes, aware of the royal calendar and Kate’s reduced visibility, may be exploiting these moments to maintain relevance, a tactic some see as a continuation of the “Megxit” fallout that has strained their relationship with the royal family.

The notion of spotlight rivalry is not new. Historical tensions between the Sussexes and the Waleses, particularly highlighted in Harry’s memoir Spare and the couple’s Netflix series, have long suggested underlying competition. A notable incident from 2018, detailed in Spare, recounted a dispute over bridesmaid dresses that left Meghan in tears and strained her relationship with Kate. The Channel 5 documentary Meghan vs Kate: The Meeting That Changed the Monarchy further explored a tense 2018 meeting between the couples, which some experts believe set the stage for Harry and Meghan’s eventual departure from royal duties. This history lends credence to the idea that the latest move might be less coincidental and more strategic, especially as Kate navigates her recovery with a focus on privacy rather than publicity.

On the other hand, defenders of Harry and Meghan argue that the accusations are unfair and reflect a media narrative eager to perpetuate royal drama. They point out that the Sussexes’ public engagements, including Meghan’s podcast and Harry’s recent comments on reconciliation with his family, are part of a broader effort to redefine their roles outside the monarchy. The dance video, they contend, was a spontaneous act of joy, not a calculated swipe at Kate. Moreover, with Harry expressing a desire to reconnect with King Charles amid his own health struggles, the timing could be seen as coincidental rather than confrontational. Yet, the lack of coordination with the royal family’s schedule—particularly during a period when Kate’s health is a sensitive topic—undermines this defense for many observers.

The royal family’s response has been characteristically measured. Sources close to the Palace have emphasized that there is “no cause for alarm” regarding Kate’s withdrawal from Ascot, framing it as a logistical misstep rather than a health setback. However, the absence of an official statement addressing the Sussexes’ actions suggests a deliberate choice to avoid escalating the situation. This silence contrasts with the public’s growing fascination, as social media platforms buzz with hashtags like #RoyalRivalry and #KateVsMeghan, reflecting a public eager to dissect every move. The contrast between Kate’s low-key approach—marked by her recent sweet interaction with the Duke of Kent at Trooping the Colour—and Meghan’s bold social media presence only heightens the perception of a spotlight dispute.

Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest that Harry and Meghan are planning a summer getaway, with Meghan organizing family outings to Napa and Big Sur, potentially timed to coincide with key royal events. This move, coupled with their recent hiring of a former The Crown producer to boost their image, has been labeled “beyond belief” by some, given the show’s controversial portrayal of the monarchy. Critics argue that this decision, alongside Meghan’s subtle digs at the royal family in her podcast, indicates a willingness to challenge the establishment narrative, possibly at the expense of Kate’s carefully managed return to the public eye.

Yet, a critical examination of the situation reveals a more nuanced picture. The royal family’s own PR missteps—such as the manipulated photo of Kate that drew international scrutiny earlier this year—have contributed to the vacuum of trust that allows such speculation to thrive. Kate’s limited visibility, while protective of her health, has inadvertently created space for others to fill the media void. Harry and Meghan, operating from a position of independence in California, may simply be capitalizing on this gap rather than orchestrating a deliberate rivalry. The truth likely lies in a gray area, where personal branding, media dynamics, and unresolved family tensions intersect.

As the royal family prepares for Trooping the Colour on June 14, where Kate is expected to appear with William and their children, the spotlight will once again shift. The presence of senior royals like Princess Anne and Queen Camilla will underscore a united front, while Harry and Meghan’s continued exclusion—now in its third year—highlights the deepening rift. For now, the narrative of “spotlight stealing” remains a compelling story, driven by timing, perception, and the enduring fascination with the royals. Whether it reflects intent or circumstance, the saga of Harry, Meghan, and Kate continues to captivate, leaving the public to ponder the three words that might define their next chapter: unity, rivalry, or reconciliation.