A new book has pulled back the curtain on what really went on behind palace doors, revealing how Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle had vastly different experiences adapting to royal life.
The Secret Life of Royal Servants by Tom Quinn details how Kate successfully navigated the complexities of palace life while Meghan struggled to fit in—leading to the rift that ultimately changed the royal family forever.
According to palace insiders quoted in the book, Meghan reportedly found Kate “too eager to please” and labeled her a “goody-two-shoes,” while Kate took a more patient and strategic approach to her royal duties.
Unlike Meghan, who reportedly expected immediate change, Kate adopted a slow and careful strategy, learning the ropes from both Prince William and senior courtiers.
A former Kensington Palace staff member described Kate as someone who “slowly and carefully absorbs the atmosphere” rather than trying to shake things up instantly.
“She bides her time, is intelligent and intuitive about people, and was coached—not just by William but also by staff—to avoid the struggles Princess Diana faced,” the source revealed.
While both women faced scrutiny and behind-the-scenes gossip, their responses were starkly different. The book claims that Kate saw palace politics as simply part of the job, whereas Meghan viewed it as an attempt to “push her around.” This difference in perspective reportedly made it difficult for Meghan to find her footing within the monarchy.
One key factor in Kate’s success was her ability to build relationships with both lower-ranking staff and senior courtiers. Even when some in the palace initially dismissed her as “not royal material,” Kate remained open to advice.
“She was happy to accept guidance, even from courtiers who were snooty about her at first,” a former staff member shared. This willingness to learn ultimately helped Kate transition smoothly into her role as the Princess of Wales.
In contrast, Meghan reportedly found the rigid traditions and hierarchy frustrating. She and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from the royal family in 2020 was, in part, due to her struggles with royal protocol and what she saw as a lack of support.
The book’s revelations add new insight into the ongoing comparisons between Kate and Meghan, highlighting how their different approaches to royal life set them on diverging paths.
While Kate continues to embrace her role within the monarchy, Meghan and Harry have carved out a new life in the U.S., distancing themselves from royal traditions.
With Kate’s popularity soaring and Meghan still facing scrutiny over her post-royal endeavors, this book sheds light on why one woman flourished within the palace system—while the other walked away.
