The question of who is more royal between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton has sparked considerable debate among royal watchers, fans, and media outlets alike. Both women, as members of the British royal family, have captured the public’s attention, but their paths to royalty and their roles within the family are distinct. In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between Meghan and Kate, shedding light on what it means to be "royal" in the modern context and who holds the title of being "more royal."
Meghan Markle’s journey to royalty is unique, as she was not born into the aristocracy. She grew up as a mixed-race American actress, known for her role in the hit TV series Suits. Meghan's entry into royal life came in 2018 when she married Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. This marriage brought her into the British royal fold, but Meghan's integration into the royal family was anything but traditional.
Her American Background: Meghan’s roots in the United States set her apart from the other British royals. She became the first member of the royal family to have been born and raised outside of the UK, which made her an "outsider" by royal standards. Her American heritage, mixed-race identity, and successful career in Hollywood shaped her approach to royal duties, often clashing with more traditional expectations.
Her Struggles with Royal Expectations: Meghan and Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, in what they called a “Megxit,” shocked the royal world. Meghan expressed dissatisfaction with the constraints of royal life, citing the lack of privacy and the toll it took on her mental health. Her decision to move to North America and establish independence was seen by some as a rejection of traditional royal duties.
Her Advocacy and Public Persona: Despite stepping back from royal duties, Meghan has remained an influential public figure. She has used her platform to advocate for causes like gender equality, mental health awareness, and racial justice. This activism, combined with her celebrity status, has made her a highly visible figure both within and outside of the royal family.
In contrast to Meghan, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, represents the more traditional route to royalty. Born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton in 1982, Kate was the daughter of wealthy but non-aristocratic parents. Her marriage to Prince William, the future King of England, in 2011 solidified her place in the royal family. Since then, Kate has taken on more traditional royal duties and is often viewed as the "perfect" royal figure.
Her British Background: Kate's upbringing in the UK, combined with her well-established connection to the British aristocracy (though not of royal blood), made her a more seamless fit for the royal family. Unlike Meghan, Kate did not have to navigate the complexities of integrating into British royal life from an outsider perspective.
Her Role in the Royal Family: Kate has embraced the expectations of her royal role and has worked diligently to support the monarchy. As the future Queen consort, she has taken on various charitable responsibilities, focusing on causes such as mental health, early childhood education, and the arts. Her public demeanor is graceful, composed, and very much in line with traditional royal values.
Her Family Life: Kate and William's marriage has been seen as a model of royal stability. Together, they have three children, and Kate has established herself as a loving mother, dedicated to raising her children in the royal spotlight while maintaining a sense of normalcy.
The idea of who is "more royal" is subjective and depends on how one defines "royalty" in the modern context.
Tradition vs. Modernity: Kate embodies the traditional royal model, embracing her role with respect to history and protocol. She represents stability, duty, and the values of the monarchy. Meghan, on the other hand, represents a more modern take on royalty. Her embrace of activism, her independent lifestyle, and her willingness to break away from royal tradition makes her an unconventional royal figure, challenging what it means to be a member of the royal family.
Public Influence: Meghan has arguably been more controversial, given her outspoken views and decision to step back from royal duties. However, her ability to influence public discourse, particularly through her advocacy, is immense. Kate, while equally influential, tends to stay out of controversies, maintaining a more traditional and diplomatic approach to her royal role.
Cultural Relevance: Meghan’s ability to relate to a diverse global audience—particularly women and people of color—has made her a highly relevant figure in modern society. She has become a symbol of empowerment, though not without her share of criticism. Kate, by contrast, appeals more to those who value royal tradition and stability. Her popularity remains consistently high, and she continues to represent the monarchy in its traditional sense.
Ultimately, the question of who is more royal—Meghan or Kate—is less about a competition and more about different approaches to royal life. Meghan's departure from the royal family and her modern outlook represent a shift in what it means to be royal in the 21st century. Kate, on the other hand, has embraced the traditional values of royalty, positioning herself as the epitome of royal grace and duty.
Neither Meghan nor Kate can be deemed more or less royal in an absolute sense. Instead, their roles in the royal family reflect their individual identities and the broader evolution of the British monarchy. Meghan's influence is rooted in activism and independence, while Kate’s is defined by tradition and duty. Both women contribute to the monarchy in unique ways, and in the end, they both represent different facets of what it means to be "royal" in today's world.
