Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Aren't Enemies, but They're Not Exactly BFFs

They're among the most talked about royals in the world, they always seemed happy when they were together, and they're both married to guys that countless girls have had crushes on. 

So naturally, this must mean that Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are royal besties, right? 

Not so fast. Considering all the rumors of their reported feuds — and the fact that Meghan and Prince Harry have permanently stepped back from their royal duties — we have reason to believe that they're probably are not as close they often appeared to be. Here's what we know.

Since 2018, there was reportedly some hostility between the two, although some sources have denied this. It apparently began with a disagreement over the dress that Princess Charlotte would wear to Meghan's wedding in May, and this caused Kate to cry. 

It also didn't help matters that Meghan and Harry weren't present for Kate's 37th birthday. It was reported that neither of them got an invite due to tension between the two couples, but one source suggested that the rumors were being taken a bit too far.

They brought up the fact that both couples had enjoyed celebrating Christmas together in 2017 and, therefore, were on good terms. They said: "They really loved Christmas and all had a wonderful time. I think the two women got on — they are definitely not best friends, but it was a really special time for them all to spend together.”   

Another source close to the royal family opened up to Us Weekly and explained that they'll "never be best friends, but they’re civil,” also pointing out the fact that they're “from two totally different worlds.” 

With such different backgrounds and values, we imagine that they don't relate to one another as easily. Still, this doesn't necessarily mean that they're at odds.

Judging by their similar styles, or rather, Meghan's tendency to mirror her sister-in-law at public events, it's clear that there's some respect between the two, as well as a "desire for rapport and team acceptance." 

Expert Judi James said: "By also mirroring Kate’s elegant two-handed clutch bag pose this could form a trio of body language techniques known as mirror-pace-lead. This is where you mirror the other person to create rapport and empathy before ‘leading’ them into more strongly bonded displays of shared laughter or touch". 

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry initially decided to establish their independence, the news apparently left the royal family blindsided and disappointed — especially since several members were not consulted first. But in the midst of this shocking announcement, we imagine that no one was as disappointed as Kate.  

The announcement came shortly before her 38th birthday (talk about the worst possible timing). So when she was spotted looking rather glum on her birthday, we figured that Meghan and Harry's surprise might've had something to do with it. But does this mean that there's still feud going on between the two royals? Most likely not, but it's tough to tell, as Prince Harry and Meghan stepping back seemed to make their relationship even more complicated.

In June 2019, fans suspected their reported feud had extended to their husbands when Kensington Palace announced Prince Harry and Meghan's departure from the Royal Foundation, which is now only under Prince William and Kate. However, it wasn't due to bad blood, as some were quick to believe. It turns out the two felt inspired to start their own organization, which will have the support of the original foundation.

Multiple sources have already predicted that they never will be, mainly because they are so different. And one source shared that "there was undue pressure where the whole world wanted them to be best friends," so perhaps all the added attention has made it even more challenging for them to truly bond. 

One thing's for sure: Prince Harry and Meghan's move to the U.S. has definitely made it tougher to spend time with the royal family. So we probably won't see any cutesy BFF pics of Kate and Meghan in the near future.