Behind palace doors: Kate and Meghan’s sister act Inside their special bond
They’ ve become close Kensington confidantes
When Meghan Markle first arrived on the scene as Prince Harry’s stunning girlfriend back in 2016, whispers quickly spread that the Duchess of Cambridge was jealous of this glamorous newcomer.
For years, Kate, who married Prince William in 2011, had been the royal family’s resident fashionista, the most photographed of the Windsor women and the one who pulled the biggest crowds at official events, so it would be understandable if she felt a little miffed as the world’s attention turned to the Californian actress who has gone on to become the Duchess of Sussex.
But Woman’sDay can reveal that rather than rivals, the women – who appeared together on the Buckingham Palace balcony at the annual Trooping the Colour event last week – have become the best of friends, seeing each other daily and developing a mutual reliance as they navigate palace life.
“Meghan and Kate have become incredibly close,” a royal insider reveals. “They
live just a stone’s throw from each other at Kensington Palace and they see each other every single day.
“Until now, Kate often complained she lived a lonely life in London, but the arrival of Meghan has completely changed that. She feels she has an ally and someone who completely understands what royal life is about.
“Most days, they’ll pop over to have tea together and Kate has made it her mission to help Meghan settle into the royal family. She has spent many hours schooling her on etiquette and even practising curtseys!
“But most importantly, she’s given Meghan an amazing insight into the palace family dynamics around them. She’s instructed her on the best way to deal with virtually every member of the royal family and impressed upon her the importance of avoiding conflicts or feuds. She’s advised her to bite her tongue no matter what.”
Kate, 36, has even told friends that she’s enjoying the fact Meghan is now the one to watch as it means she can focus on the important things in life, like spending time with her children.
Soul sisters
“Kate used to feel such pressure when it came to selecting outfits for her official engagements, but now she loves the fact all eyes are on Meghan and she thinks she looks amazing,” reports our insider. “She’s happy for her to step into the limelight because it’s allowing her some precious downtime.”
And 36-year-old Meghan – who will travel to New Zealand with Harry in our spring – couldn’t be more grateful for Kate’s support. In fact, she’s gone so far as to confide in friends that she doesn’t think she’d cope if she didn’t have her sister-in-law to turn to.
“Meghan would be lost without Kate,” explains our insider. “Yes, Harry’s been an invaluable support too, but there’s nothing like having a female confidante who’s been through exactly what Meghan is experiencing now.
“While some of Kate’s advice goes against Meghan’s core belief in standing up for yourself, she knows it’s for the best. She wants to thrive in her new role as a duchess, so she’s going to follow Kate’s lead and avoid ruffling any feathers.”
And no doubt Kate will be on hand to advise Meghan before her upcoming tour of Aotearoa, Australia, Tonga and Fiji later this year. While details of the trip, which will coincide with the Invictus Games in Sydney, are still being finalised, the visit will be an historic first for Harry and his new wife, who married at Windsor Castle last month.
Our insider tells, “Kate will be a wealth of information when it comes to the royal tour. Her biggest tip will be to schedule some days off away from the cameras. It can be intense having your every move followed and scrutinised.”
Meanwhile, Kate has even been there to reassure Meghan after she was criticised for her outfit choice to attend the Trooping the Colour event. Commentators suggested her pale pink off-the-shoulder dress by Carolina Herrera was too revealing for an appearance alongside the Queen and other members of the royal family at the big occasion, which formally marks the monarch’s birthday.
But we’re told Meghan’s trying not to let the fashion faux pas get her down, with reports suggesting it’s actually Harry who has been giving his wife styling tips! “Harry takes a great interest in what Meghan wears and thinks she looked sensational,” a friend of his reports. “He has no qualms about shaking up old traditions and, along with Kate, has told Meghan not to listen to the critics.”
It’s clear that Meghan also has the full support of the Queen after the pair undertook a momentous two-day trip together to Chester. Her Majesty even invited Meghan to stay overnight with her on the royal train – an honour yet to be given to Kate, William or Harry – before attending a slew of official engagements together (see page 12).
Chats & children
Unsurprisingly, Meghan turned to her sister-in-law for advice on how to manage her time with Her Majesty. Our insider says, “Kate told Meghan just to be herself, but to be careful not to talk too much! Meghan loves a good chat, but Kate advised her that it’s best to let the Queen lead the conversation.”
Meanwhile, as speculation continues over when Harry and Meghan will become parents themselves, our source says the new duchess has formed a tight bond with Kate and William’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and two-month-old Prince Louis.
“Meghan adores children and feels so lucky that she has Kate’s three little ones next door,” our insider reveals. “She often pops over at bathtime to help get them ready for bed. She loves reading them stories and playing games of hideand-seek.
“And Kate loves that Meghan is taking such an interest in the children. People may think she’s jealous that Meghan has swooped in to steal her limelight, but in fact, it’s the very opposite. Kate is just so happy to have made such a wonderful new friend.”