In the glittering world of royalty, where every smile, wave, and outfit is scrutinized under a microscope, one former duchess seems to have a knack for turning heads – but not always for the right reasons. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been caught time and again prioritizing those perfect photo opportunities over the time-honored traditions of royal etiquette. Insiders and observers alike whisper that it’s no coincidence: Meghan’s moves often echo the effortless grace of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, whose warm interactions with the public have set the gold standard for modern monarchy. But while Kate’s engagements radiate genuine warmth and impact, Meghan’s appear more like calculated attractions – flashy, but fleeting. Could it be that without Kate’s blueprint of public adoration, Meghan wouldn’t even bother with these antics? Let’s dive deep into the evidence, from protocol slip-ups to media meltdowns, that paint a picture of a duchess who’s all show and no substance.
It all starts with the basics of royal behavior, those unwritten rules that keep the monarchy’s image polished and professional. Take, for instance, the simple act of closing a car door. In 2018, during her first solo appearance as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan casually shut her own car door after arriving at the Royal Academy of Arts. To the untrained eye, this might seem like a non-issue – efficient, even. But royal etiquette experts were quick to point out the breach: members of the royal family typically have staff handle such tasks for security and protocol reasons. As etiquette consultant William Hanson explained in interviews at the time, it’s about maintaining a seamless, dignified presence. Meghan’s move sparked online frenzy, with many seeing it as a deliberate break from tradition to appear relatable. Contrast this with Kate, who has navigated countless arrivals with poise, allowing aides to manage the details while she focuses on engaging the crowd. It’s as if Meghan spotted Kate’s smooth transitions and thought, “I can do that – but with a twist!” Yet, the twist often comes across as defiance rather than innovation.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Meghan’s history of bending – or outright snapping – royal rules reads like a rebel’s playbook. Remember her engagement photos? In one official portrait, she donned a sheer gown for daytime attire, a major no-no in royal circles where modesty reigns supreme. Commentators like Richard Eden highlighted this as part of a pattern of “conscious rebellion,” including everything from crossing her legs at public events (a posture traditionally avoided by royal women to prevent unflattering photos) to wearing wedges, pants, black outfits, and even showing shoulders during formal outings. These choices, while perhaps empowering in a Hollywood context, clashed with the conservative expectations of the Firm. And let’s not forget the autographs: during a 2024 faux-royal visit captured in a video by Extra TV, Meghan posed for Polaroid photos with children and signed them – a direct violation of the rule against royals giving autographs to avoid forgeries. Kate, on the other hand, has masterfully sidestepped such pitfalls, opting for heartfelt conversations and subtle gestures that leave lasting impressions without crossing lines.
The comparisons don’t stop at attire and autographs. Media coverage has long highlighted the stark differences in how Meghan and Kate handle public scrutiny, especially around photo ops. In a viral YouTube segment from TODAY, senior correspondent Keir Simmons dissected headlines: when Kate tenderly cradled her baby bump during pregnancy, it was praised as endearing. But Meghan doing the same? The press dubbed it “Why can’t Meghan keep her hands off it?” – implying vanity or over-the-top dramatics. This double standard underscores a deeper narrative: Kate’s actions are seen as authentic and impactful, creating real connections with the public, while Meghan’s often come off as performative, designed to attract clicks rather than foster goodwill. One Reddit thread delved into this “inconsistent, negative media treatment,” noting how Kate’s similar behaviors are glossed over or celebrated, whereas Meghan’s are amplified as breaches. It’s as if Meghan, watching Kate’s “lovely reactions” to adoring crowds – those warm smiles, gentle waves, and unscripted moments – decides to amp it up for the cameras, forgetting the subtlety that makes Kate’s approach so effective.
Even in more private settings, Meghan’s photo-focused mindset has raised eyebrows. At Wimbledon in 2019, her security team reportedly asked spectators not to take photos of her, citing her “private capacity” attendance. This unusual request sparked backlash, as royals are generally fair game in public. E! News explored the duchesses’ differing approaches to privacy, noting that while Kate has dealt with paparazzi intrusions (like the infamous French topless photos scandal), she maintains a balance – allowing controlled images that humanize her without demanding total seclusion. Meghan’s stance, however, seemed more controlling, perhaps inspired by Kate’s ability to turn public moments into positive PR without the fuss. Insiders suggest this stems from envy: Kate’s natural charisma draws crowds organically, creating impactful engagements, whereas Meghan’s efforts often feel forced, like she’s chasing the same spotlight but missing the mark on etiquette.
Fast-forward to recent controversies, and the pattern persists. In November 2025, Meghan faced backlash for a “provocative” photoshoot that echoed Princess Diana’s style, with critics calling it “concerning” and attention-seeking. The Daily Express reported on the striking similarities, implying Meghan was borrowing from royal icons to boost her image – much like how she might observe Kate’s public poise and try to replicate it. Then there’s the photo-editing saga. While Kate’s 2024 Mother’s Day photo blunder (where she admitted to minor edits) drew global mockery, sources close to Meghan claimed she “would never make such a mistake” due to her “freakish attention to detail.” Yet, irony abounds: in 2019, Harry and Meghan were accused of Photoshopping their own Christmas card, with Meghan’s face allegedly superimposed. The Daily Mail and Page Six covered how this highlighted unequal treatment – if Meghan errs, she’s “annihilated,” but her camp uses it to shade Kate. This back-and-forth only fuels the narrative that Meghan’s photo ops are meticulously staged to rival Kate’s, often at the expense of protocol.
Social media amplifies these contrasts. On X (formerly Twitter), users like @thebluestshade have pointed out instances where Kate seemingly “recreates” Meghan’s moves, like running past security to greet crowds – a move Meghan was slammed for as “breaking protocol.” Others, such as @genkat_1, criticize Meghan’s “classic” interruptions during group photos, like directing poses in an oversized coat, calling it a “mask slip” of disdain. These posts suggest a cycle: Meghan spots Kate’s beloved public reactions – those genuine, crowd-pleasing moments – and attempts her version, but without the “home training” ingrained in lifelong royals like Kate, it falls flat. As one X user noted in a thread, Meghan’s shambolic group photos leave participants awkward, while Kate’s are seamless and memorable.
Beyond the breaches, there’s the human element. A videographer who worked with Meghan pre-royalty described her as “high maintenance and rude” on a shoot, demanding champagne and hiding under a baseball cap while insisting no foot shots (due to a rumored bunion surgery). Tatler reported this as “diva” behavior, hinting at a personality geared toward controlling the narrative – perfect for Hollywood, but clashing with royal restraint. Kate, conversely, is lauded for her approachable demeanor, turning even mundane engagements into impactful connections. Facebook groups and Quora discussions echo this: Meghan “refused to accept” protocol, while Kate embodies it effortlessly. It’s telling that without Kate’s model of public affection – those “sweet and cute” interactions that garner likes and shares – Meghan might not push these boundaries at all.
In the end, Meghan’s photo op pursuits highlight a fundamental difference: attraction versus impact. Kate’s engagements leave a lasting legacy of goodwill, built on adherence to tradition and genuine rapport. Meghan’s, however, often prioritize the flash – the viral moment, the headline-grabbing pose – at the cost of decorum. As royal watchers speculate, without the Princess of Wales’ “lovely reactions” as inspiration, would Meghan even venture into these territories? The evidence suggests not. In a world where every snap counts, it’s clear: true royal magic comes from within, not just the lens.
