Kate’s Ice-Cold Snub to a “Nervous” Meghan at Queen’s Funeral Was Pure Steel – No Fake Warmth After Years of Royal Trashing… So Will Meghan Even Bother Showing Up for Her Father’s?By Royal Insider Exclusive | December 14, 2025In a moment that spoke volumes without a single word, Princess Catherine (formerly Kate Middleton) delivered a masterclass in boundary-setting at Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral on September 19, 2022.
As Meghan Markle, looking visibly nervous and emotional, navigated the solemn proceedings at Westminster Abbey, the Princess of Wales maintained an impenetrable wall of composure – no performative hugs, no forced smiles, just firm, unflinching distance. And who could blame her? By that point, the Sussexes had unleashed a barrage of attacks on the Royal Family that left scars deeper than any tabloid headline.
Body language experts at the time dissected the frosty interactions, noting how Catherine exuded poise and resolve while Meghan appeared “closed off” and anxious. One viral clip even captured what many interpreted as an awkward hand-tap moment, with Catherine’s stern gaze signaling zero tolerance for overtures. It wasn’t cruelty; it was self-preservation. After the explosive 2021 Oprah interview – where Meghan accused the royals of racism and indifference to her mental health struggles – followed by the 2022 Netflix docuseries and Harry’s memoir Spare painting the family as cold and unsupportive, any expectation of warmth would have been delusional.
Meghan, often photographed wiping away tears or displaying signs of “inner anxiety” as experts described, seemed out of her element amid the rigid protocol. Reports highlighted her hand hovering protectively or nervously, while Catherine stood tall, chin up, embodying duty over drama. “Catherine showed Meghan who’s boss,” one analyst quipped, praising her for prioritizing her role over personal feelings. No sisterly embrace here – just the cold reality of a family fractured by years of public grievances.The timeline of the rift makes Catherine’s stance utterly justified. The Oprah bombshell in March 2021 dropped allegations that shook the monarchy: concerns over Archie’s skin color, claims of no support during Meghan’s suicidal ideation, and flips on tabloid stories like the “Kate made Meghan cry” saga (Meghan insisted it was the reverse).
Then came the Netflix series in December 2022, timed provocatively during William and Catherine’s U.S. trip, rehashing victim narratives. Harry’s Spare in January 2023 added fuel, detailing family fights and criticisms. By the Queen’s funeral – mere months after some of these barbs – trust was shattered. Expecting Catherine to play nice with a “nervous” Meghan? That’s not boundaries; that’s betrayal of her own family.
Fast-forward to today, and the lingering chill raises a pointed question: With bridges burned so thoroughly, will Meghan even attend King Charles’s funeral when the time comes? Reports from 2025 suggest the monarch has included Harry and Meghan in his plans – codenamed Operation Menai Bridge – with prominent roles, vigils, and even spots for Archie and Lilibet.
Charles reportedly wants Harry walking beside William in procession, a symbolic nod to unity despite the estrangement.But after skipping major events, limiting UK visits, and continuing to air grievances from Montecito, insiders whisper doubts. Meghan’s last UK appearance was that very funeral in 2022 – no return for coronations or milestones since. If Catherine’s funeral frostiness was a preview, facing a grieving William (future king) and the full Firm could prove too daunting.
Or perhaps too hypocritical, given the past trashing of the institution Charles embodies.Royal watchers speculate: Will duty (or optics) drag the Sussexes back? Or will distance prevail, leaving Harry to attend solo – if at all? Catherine’s unyielding boundaries at the Queen’s farewell set the tone: Forgiveness isn’t mandatory, especially when attacks keep coming. In a family defined by stoicism, her quiet steel spoke louder than any Sussex interview ever could. And it leaves us wondering – when Charles’s day arrives, will Meghan cross the Atlantic again, or stay firmly on the sidelines? Karma, after all, has a long memory.
