A royal commentator has reignited the fiery debate over Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle—delivering a brutal verdict on how each woman has handled her royal role. And the contrast couldn’t be more striking.
In a scathing piece published by The Express, royal columnist Virginia Blackburn paints what she calls a “tale of two women”—two outsiders handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape royal history, with one emerging as a national treasure and the other “adrift in a hollow lifestyle.”
Blackburn argues that while Kate Middleton embraced her role with grace, discipline, and unwavering composure, Meghan Markle, in her view, “cashed in” on the royal title before retreating into a celebrity bubble in California.
“Here’s a tale of two women,” Blackburn wrote, “both of whom were given extraordinary life opportunities, open only to the tiniest handful at any time in history, with markedly different outcomes. I refer, of course, to the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex.”
The author notes that both Kate and Meghan came from non-royal backgrounds—Kate, a middle-class British girl; Meghan, a biracial American actress and divorcée. But once inside the palace gates, their paths couldn’t have diverged more.
Blackburn didn’t hold back when describing Meghan’s royal departure, claiming she “went off to try to cash in and flog jam.” The line, referencing Meghan’s lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, drew sharp contrast with Kate’s image of poise and duty.
“She could have made history,” Blackburn said, highlighting Meghan’s unique position as the Royal Family’s first biracial, divorced, American princess. “She could have been remembered centuries hence as a pioneer; does anyone in their right mind think Meghan from Montecito will make the history books?”
The critique is one of the harshest to date, especially as Meghan attempts to reinvent herself as a lifestyle mogul in the U.S. Her recent product launches—from jam to dog treats to wine—have gained media attention, but the backlash continues over what critics see as an abandonment of responsibility.
In contrast, Kate Middleton is portrayed as the epitome of what the monarchy stands for: composure under pressure, service above self, and a deep understanding of her duty as both future Queen and public figure.
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“She is under scrutiny 24/7 and yet never loses her temper, never complains, never puts a foot wrong,” Blackburn wrote.
The writer continued, “She understands what the full meaning of the monarchy is, its importance to the country and her own role within it. It was not a job opportunity… but a moment at a crossroads in life.”
Blackburn’s conclusion was unflinching: “History called out to both of those women. Only one knew how to respond.”
The piece has sparked heated debate online, with supporters of both women rushing to defend their favorite royal. Meghan’s fans argue she was never given a fair chance within the institution and was subjected to relentless tabloid abuse. Meanwhile, Kate’s admirers hail her as the very embodiment of duty and resilience, especially in light of her recent battle with cancer.
Whether one agrees or not, the article touches on the very heart of the monarchy’s modern dilemma—how tradition, celebrity, and personal freedom collide when new royals enter the spotlight.
As the Royal Family continues to evolve, and as Meghan and Harry build their separate brand in the U.S., comparisons like these will only intensify.
But in the eyes of this royal expert, the verdict is already in: when history came knocking, only one woman truly answered the call.
