Why Lady Di does not have a possible successor in either Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle (nor does she need to)
Lady Di became a worldwide media phenomenon, as we could see in the last season of 'The Crown'. But although her daughters-in-law, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, make constant winks at her figure, it is highly unlikely that they will have the influence that the most famous woman in the world had.
The fourth season of 'The Crown', which has swept Netflix, tells how Diana of Wales, one of the most anticipated incorporations of the production, went from being a shy young woman to a media phenomenon that revolutionized the British monarchical institution.
However, it will be in the next season, which, apparently, will not hit the screens until 2022, when we see Lady Di in all her splendor, already become the most famous woman in the world. It was in the last years of her life, when her marriage to Prince Charles was already broken, that the princess became an unprecedented myth that has influenced popular culture, not only British, but worldwide.
A myth, it must be said, with the very elongated shadow. Since Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle appeared in the life of the British royal family after marrying princes William and Harry, the media have done nothing but compare them with what would have been their mother-in-law. But is there a possible comparison between Middleton, Markle and what the 'Lady Di phenomenon' meant? Despite the fact that both are very aware of the example of the Princess of Wales and pay tribute to her with their way of dressing or their involvement in solidarity causes, neither is called to take her place. And they probably don't even want it: Lady Di became a global icon of fashion or solidarity, but she was also relentlessly persecuted by the media. Even in its tragic end.
Kate Middleton: never out of her role
Catherine of Cambridge belongs to a wealthy family, although not of aristocratic origin, and she never practiced her profession, but for a time, before getting married, she worked small jobs. In this she resembles Diana of Wales.
The Duchess of Cambridge has made numerous wardrobe nods to her late mother-in-law. To begin with, the ring with which she was engaged to Prince William was encrusted with a sapphire that had belonged to Lady Di. Even Middleton has come to dress practically like her. For example? When she introduced her third newborn son to the press. It was April 23, 2018. The red dress with a white collar worn by the Duchess of Cambridge was reminiscent of the one Diana of Wales wore when she also introduced the newborn Prince Harry. In addition, Middleton often wears jewelry that belonged to Lady Di, including the Lover’s Knot tiara, the Princess of Wales favorite.
However, Middleton's resemblance to Diana of Wales goes as far as that. It is something cosmetic. The Duchess of Cambridge never leaves her institutional role and it is unlikely that she will offer scandals to the British press. After all, she is the wife of the future king of England.
Meghan Markle: a totally different life
Lady Di managed to gain the affection of the people thanks to her closeness and gestures that are completely natural for most mortals, but never seen in someone who belonged to the British royal family. For example? Take off the gloves to shake hands with your followers or the people you visited, laugh in public or stop wearing a hat to be able to hug the children better.
In that sense, Meghan Markle looks like her. In September 2018, the Duchess of Sussex was attending an exhibition opening at the Royal Academy in London and, getting out of the car, decided to close the door ... herself! This gesture, insignificant for most but full of symbolism, caused rivers of ink to flow among the journalists in charge of covering the news of the royal family. And she has repeated it many more times.
In the same way, Markel began to carry crossbody bags to have his hands free when greeting (the women of the British royal family have always carried their handbags) or signing autographs, something that is forbidden to the British royal family.
However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex lead a life far from the monarchy. This year they decided to stop being part of the royal family and moved to the United States. In addition, they have waged a battle against the British tabloid media for the lies they often publish about the couple. They do not want, in any way, to be the target of the tabloids at every moment of their life, as happened to Lady Di.
