While Meghan Markle continues to avoid family gatherings like the plague, Princess Catherine has been orchestrating festive family moments that could rival a Hallmark movie. Last week, Westminster Abbey hosted the fourth annual "Together at Christmas" Carol Service, and Catherine didn’t need to scrape together a guest list of Hollywood strangers to fill the pews. Her entire family turned out, dressed in coordinated burgundy hues, radiating warmth, love, and a complete absence of awkward estrangement. Poor Meghan, watching this from her mansion, probably needed an extra glass of Pinot to get through the photos.
This wasn’t just any holiday gathering. Alongside her husband, Prince William, and their three charming children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—Catherine had a supporting cast that Meghan could only dream of. Her parents, Carole and Mike Middleton, sister Pippa with her husband, and brother James Middleton with his elegant wife, Alize, were all there, looking picture-perfect as always. And that was just on Catherine’s side. On William's end, the royal support team was out in full force, with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, and a slew of cousins and in-laws with their perfectly groomed children. It was a parade of love, support, and shared history. The Middleton family's subtle, coordinated burgundy-themed outfits added the finishing touch.
Compare that to Meghan's wedding, where the guest list was a mix of *Suits* castmates, Oprah, and random Hollywood A-listers. The only family representative was her mother, Doria Ragland, who appeared to be parked alone in the pews like a plus-one that nobody expected. The contrast is glaring. Do you remember the infamous 2018 royal wedding, where Meghan paraded an entourage down the aisle, and the absence of any family with the last name Markle felt less like a coincidence and more like an intentional snub? Her father, Thomas Markle, was nowhere to be seen, allegedly cut off due to a tabloid scandal and health issues, while her extended family was kept at arm's length for reasons that seemed far more calculated than coincidental. It almost seemed like Meghan feared someone might spill the tea about her pre-Harry life. But at least George Clooney got a seat, despite reportedly not even knowing the bride that well. Nothing says meaningful connections like inviting Hollywood stars you barely know to your wedding.
Meanwhile, Catherine has been a master class in grace under pressure. After a brutal year battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, Catherine emerged stronger than ever, with her family steadfastly by her side. Her brother, James Middleton, posted a heartfelt tribute, writing, “Over the years, we’ve climbed many mountains together as a family, and we’ll climb this one too.” That’s what family looks like—mutual love and support, not burned bridges and ghosted relatives. Even the royal family rallied around Catherine, with King Charles and Prince William reportedly stepping back from the limelight to focus on her health.
In contrast, Harry and Meghan’s idea of family bonding seems to involve Netflix specials and tell-all interviews. The real tragedy here isn’t just Meghan’s lack of family support; it’s the environment she’s creating for her own children. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are growing up isolated from their royal cousins and rich family history. Imagine being denied Christmas playdates with George, Charlotte, and Louis because your parents are more focused on podcast deals than family reunions.
Catherine, on the other hand, is making sure her children are surrounded by love, tradition, and relatives who actually show up. The Wales kids have no shortage of playmates, from Pippa’s three adorable children to Zara and Mike Tindall’s trio. That’s how you build a family legacy—not by burning every bridge in sight. While Meghan was busy isolating herself and alienating her family, Catherine was cementing her place as the true heart of the royal family. But don’t worry—maybe next Christmas, Meghan can find a few more A-listers who still answer her calls.
