Since Meghan Markle joined the family, there's been a lot of talk about her relationship with Kate Middleton. Many people bought into clichés that indicated the women would either be best friends or mortal enemies. In the beginning, they appeared to be neither. Meghan and Kate didn't seem to have much in common, but they seemed cordial around each other.
As time passed, the rumor mill went to work trying to pit these ladies against each other. Rumors of feuding continued, reaching a boiling point with the Sussexes' exit from Kensington Palace. Many believed there would never be common ground between the two.
Now the tides seem to be changing. The two ladies have been spotted together quite a bit recently, from a polo playdate with the kids to taking in some tennis at Wimbledon. A royal source told People that the duchesses are developing a closer, stronger relationship as they connect over motherhood.
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton are two beautiful, accomplished women. While the world should be lifting them up as examples of grace under pressure, many have chosen to pit them against each other instead.
There have been whisperings about a feud between Kate and Meghan from the very beginning of their relationship, although for a while there was no proof. Later, reports came out about a disagreement between the two regarding Princess Charlotte's dress for the royal wedding. The argument reportedly left Kate in tears.
Rumors escalated as it became known that Meghan and Harry were looking to leave Kensington Palace. The plan to move to Frogmore Cottage came after the Sussexes announced they were expecting their first child. Many believed it was also a move to put distance between the allegedly feuding couples.
Now that the dust has settled from their move, things are wildly different for Meghan. Not only has she welcomed a child, but she's gotten to work on what her own little branch of the royal family will look like alongside Prince Harry.
All these changes seem to be for the better when it comes to Meghan and Kate. The two have been spotted together several times in the past few weeks. First, the royal family gathered to celebrate Archie's christening in a private ceremony at Windsor Castle.
A few days later, Kate and Meghan were spotted spending time together with their kids! Kate's brood joined Meghan and Archie as they all watched William and Harry compete in the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day.
That weekend, the ladies got together again. This time, they left their husbands and kids at home while they watched Serena Williams play Simona Halep at Wimbledon. Kate's sister, Pippa Middleton, was also in attendance as they watched from the royal box.
Unfortunately, Meghan's bestie didn't take home a win. Kate was said to have been very supportive of Meghan when Serena lost. "Kate put her hand out and rubbed Meghan’s back to console her," an observer told People.
So what's changed between the two women? For one thing, motherhood has brought them closer together. Kate was in Meghan's shoes just a year ago when Prince Louis was the same age Archie is now. "They’re each a little more relaxed," the source explained. "They have more in common now."
It also seems that absence has made the heart grow fonder where the two couples are concerned. Their move away from Kensington Palace is "allowing them more time to be like family" rather than live-in coworkers, explained the source.
Palace sources also point out that people are starting to realize that there's room to appreciate both women. It doesn't have to be an either/or.
"Coming from different backgrounds, I think, they have more the makings of a team than people imagined," notes longtime royals author Robert Lacey. "And they have a common interest as partners to these two men who are so crucial to the monarchy, along with their children."
The moments we've been seeing between the two women show that things are changing. "It illustrated a warm relationship between these women who have young babies and are in similar situations in their lives," explains royal commentator Victoria Arbiter.
Their little ones have certainly played a major role in redefining their relationship. "Babies are a great leveler," Victoria explains. "The minute you’re bonding over your stories and sleepless nights, suddenly all the stuff that mattered before doesn’t matter anymore."
Whatever the reason for the recent chumminess, it looks good on both ladies. We hope it's the beginning of a beautiful and powerful friendship that can withstand whatever life in the public eye throws their way. They're both wonderful mothers and accomplished ladies who deserve respect and happiness.
