In the ever-unfolding saga of the British royal family, one narrative refuses to fade: the purported fixation of Meghan Markle on her sister-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales. Recent social media buzz and side-by-side comparisons have reignited claims that the Duchess of Sussex is meticulously mirroring the future Queen’s style, timing, and public moments in what critics describe as an unrelenting campaign of one-upmanship. While royal watchers are divided—some dismissing it as harmless coincidence, others seeing a pattern of calculated imitation—the latest incidents have fueled intense online debate.
The Rose That Sparked It All
The latest chapter appears to center on a beautiful gesture from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). In May 2025, they unveiled Catherine’s Rose, a stunning coral-pink floribunda bred by Harkness Roses and named in honor of the Princess of Wales. This wasn’t just any flower—it celebrates Catherine’s advocacy for the healing power of nature, her work supporting mental and physical wellbeing, and her personal connection to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, where she underwent cancer treatment. The rose features a rich perfume with hints of Turkish Delight and mango, thrives in gardens, and attracts pollinators. Proceeds support vital patient rehabilitation programs.
Catherine’s Rose — a coral-pink floribunda with a delightful fragrance, named to honor the Princess of Wales and her passion for nature’s healing power.
According to observers, shortly after this announcement gained widespread attention, Meghan Markle shared content featuring a lavish bouquet of roses. Critics quickly pointed out the timing, suggesting it was no coincidence but a deliberate echo. One viral post highlighted: “Remember when a rose was named after the Princess of Wales, and Meghan just had to post a bouquet of roses that very same day?” This fits a broader pattern alleged by royal commentators of the Duchess responding to Catherine’s milestones with similar aesthetics or timing.
The Ralph Lauren Shirt Saga: Déjà Vu in Stripes
The parallels don’t stop at flowers. Fashion has long been a battleground in these comparisons. In early July 2025, Catherine wore a Ralph Lauren striped “Capri” poplin shirt during a hospital visit to Colchester, where she helped plant Catherine’s Rose and engaged with patients and volunteers. The look was praised for its approachable elegance.
Just days later, Meghan re-wore her own blue-and-white striped Ralph Lauren shirt—famously debuted at Wimbledon 2018 alongside Catherine during one of their rare joint outings—in a casual Instagram video for the Fourth of July. In the clip, she assembled a patriotic charcuterie board in what appeared to be her Montecito kitchen, complete with fruits, cheeses, crackers, and her As Ever raspberry spread. The timing and stylistic similarity drew immediate scrutiny.
Side-by-side comparisons of Catherine and Meghan in similar Ralph Lauren striped shirts have circulated widely, with many noting the near-identical casual chic vibe.
Meghan originally wore the blue striped shirt at Wimbledon in 2018 with then-Duchess of Cambridge Kate. The garment sold out rapidly. She has re-worn variations over the years, but the proximity to Catherine’s recent appearance amplified the “copying” claims. Royal fashion analysts note both women favor the brand, but the sequence struck many as more than coincidental.
A Pattern of Alleged Mirroring?
This isn’t the first time such accusations have surfaced. Over the years, observers have pointed to:
- Outfit echoes, from tailored suits to casual staples.
- Timing of public posts or appearances that seem to shadow Catherine’s initiatives.
- Shared interests in lifestyle content, gardening, and wellness—areas where Catherine has established a strong public presence through her Early Years work and nature advocacy.
Supporters of Meghan argue these are overblown coincidences, common in public life, or even flattering tributes. Detractors, however, label it an “obsession,” citing psychological interpretations and past comments from insiders. Social media threads amplify every detail, with hashtags and side-by-sides going viral.
One commenter summed up the sentiment: “The obsession is unreal.” Others reference Meghan’s history of public admiration for elements of royal tradition while forging her own path in California.
Broader Context in the Royal Landscape
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has enjoyed a resurgence in public affection following her health challenges, with her grace, family focus, and charitable work resonating deeply. Her rose naming and garden engagements underscore themes of resilience and connection to nature.
Meghan, meanwhile, continues building her lifestyle brand As Ever, focusing on entertaining, wellness, and family content from Montecito. Her Fourth of July video exemplified this relaxed, American approach—contrasting with the more formal royal duties.
The Sussexes’ departure from royal life in 2020 created lasting rifts, amplified by interviews, books, and media coverage. Yet moments like these keep the family dynamics in the spotlight.
Public Reaction and What’s Next
Online discourse is polarized. Some celebrate the women’s individual styles; others fuel rivalry narratives. Fashion experts point out that both are style icons in their own right—Catherine for timeless elegance, Meghan for modern California cool—making overlap inevitable in shared circles.
As the royal family navigates public scrutiny, these micro-dramas continue to captivate global audiences. Whether coincidence or calculated, the latest rose-and-shirt episode adds another layer to an enduring story of two high-profile women whose lives remain intertwined in the public eye.
What do you think—is it harmless parallelism or something more? The internet has already chosen sides.
