The relationship between Princess Kate and Meghan Markle has long been a topic of intrigue for royal watchers. From their first public appearances together to the growing tensions that would later dominate headlines, the dynamics between the two duchesses have captivated the public.
One particularly memorable moment, as revealed by Prince Harry in his memoir Spare, occurred at Meghan’s first Trooping the Colour in 2018, where a seemingly innocuous joke landed poorly and set the tone for an awkward interaction.
Trooping the Colour is a cornerstone of the British royal calendar. The event, which celebrates the sovereign’s official birthday, showcases grand military parades, intricate pageantry, and the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony appearance.
For Meghan Markle, newly wed to Prince Harry, the 2018 event marked her debut at this significant royal occasion.
Dressed impeccably in a blush pink ensemble, Meghan joined Prince Harry, Princess Kate, and other senior royals on the palace balcony.
The event was not only an introduction to a centuries-old tradition but also a chance for Meghan to navigate her place within the royal family.
As described by Prince Harry in Spare, Meghan attempted to make a lighthearted comment during the event.
When Princess Kate asked Meghan about her impressions of her first Trooping the Colour, Meghan reportedly replied with a single word: “Colourful.”
The quip, likely intended as a playful nod to the vibrant ceremony, did not land as expected. According to Harry, the response was met with a “yawning silence” from Kate, creating an atmosphere of palpable discomfort.
For Meghan, who was still finding her footing within the formalities of royal life, the moment may have felt like a misstep.
For Kate, known for her composed demeanor and commitment to tradition, the comment might have been perceived as flippant or out of step with the gravity of the occasion.
The anecdote underscores the strained relationship that would come to define interactions between Meghan and Kate.
While initial reports following Meghan and Harry’s engagement painted a picture of camaraderie between the duchesses, Harry’s memoir and other revelations have highlighted a series of disagreements and misunderstandings.
One of the most publicized incidents was Meghan’s comment about Kate’s “baby brain” during a conversation about wedding preparations.
The remark, which Meghan reportedly made in jest, deeply offended Kate, who found it inappropriate to comment on her hormonal state after giving birth.
This interaction, combined with others, fueled a narrative of tension between the two women.
Harry also wrote about how he believed Meghan was “stereotyped” by Kate and Prince William, suggesting they viewed her primarily through the lens of her career as an American actress and media figure.
These perceptions, Harry argued, may have contributed to the growing divide between the couples.
The Trooping the Colour event has evolved significantly since Meghan and Harry’s first appearance in 2018.
At the time, large crowds lined the streets to witness the newlyweds, who shared a carriage ride with the Duke of Kent. Their presence was a highlight for royal fans eager to see the dynamic duo in action.
Fast forward to 2023, the event looked markedly different. Prince Harry and Meghan, now residing in California and no longer working royals, were absent.
Instead, the spotlight was on King Charles III and his family as they celebrated his second official birthday as monarch.
This year’s event also held special significance for Princess Kate. It marked her first major public appearance following her announcement in June about her cancer diagnosis.
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Dressed in a chic white dress and matching hat, she rode in the Glass State Coach alongside her children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—who waved enthusiastically at the crowds.
The 2018 Trooping the Colour serves as a snapshot of the complex dynamics within the royal family.
Meghan’s lighthearted comment, though innocuous in intent, reflects the challenges she faced in adapting to royal traditions and protocols.
For Kate, the interaction highlights the pressures of maintaining decorum and tradition while navigating relationships within a highly scrutinized public sphere.
As someone deeply embedded in royal culture, Kate may have found it challenging to reconcile Meghan’s more informal approach with her own understanding of duty and formality.
While the relationship between Kate and Meghan remains a subject of speculation, the royals have each moved forward in their respective lives.
Kate continues to embody her role as the Princess of Wales, balancing her royal duties with her responsibilities as a mother and advocate for mental health and early childhood development.
Meghan, alongside Harry, has embraced life in the United States, focusing on philanthropic efforts and media ventures.
Despite their physical and emotional distance from the royal family, their impact on the monarchy’s narrative remains undeniable.
The anecdote of Meghan’s “colourful” comment at Trooping the Colour offers a window into the complexities of royal life—where words, actions, and even jokes are weighed with extraordinary significance.
It also serves as a reminder of the human side of royalty, where misunderstandings and missteps are part of navigating relationships under intense public scrutiny.
