London, UK – Rumors have swirled for years about an alleged incident between Meghan Markle and Princess Charlotte during preparations for Meghan and Prince Harry’s 2018 royal wedding. Claims of tension, particularly over Charlotte’s role as a flower girl, have fueled speculation about Meghan’s interactions with the young royal. But what really happened? Here’s a closer look at the story.
The Bridesmaid Dress Dispute
The controversy centers on a reported disagreement during fittings for the flower girls’ dresses, designed by Givenchy’s Clare Waight Keller. Princess Charlotte, then three years old, was one of the flower girls, alongside other children, including Meghan’s goddaughter Ivy Mulroney. According to some sources, Kate Middleton, Charlotte’s mother, raised concerns about the fit of her daughter’s dress, describing it as “too big, long, and baggy.” This reportedly led to a heated exchange with Meghan, who was under stress in the days leading up to her wedding.
Initial reports suggested that Meghan’s firm stance on the dress design left Kate emotional, with some claiming she was reduced to tears. The disagreement also extended to whether the flower girls should wear tights, with Kate favoring royal protocol and Meghan preferring a more modern approach. Ultimately, the girls did not wear tights, and Charlotte’s dress was adjusted by a tailor.
Meghan’s Perspective
In her 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, Meghan addressed the narrative, stating that the story had been misrepresented. She clarified that it was she who cried during the disagreement, not Kate, and emphasized that Kate apologized afterward with flowers and a note. Meghan described the incident as a misunderstanding, noting the pressures of the wedding week and her desire not to disparage Kate. Prince Harry’s memoir Spare supports this account, detailing how Kate’s concerns about the dress led to a tense conversation that left Meghan upset, though Kate later made amends.
Allegations of Bullying
Some reports, notably from Tom Bower’s book Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors, allege that Meghan compared Charlotte unfavorably to Ivy Mulroney and was dismissive of Kate’s concerns, contributing to the tension. These claims have been echoed on social media, with some accusing Meghan of “bullying” Charlotte. However, these allegations lack corroboration from primary sources within the royal family, and many consider them speculative. Others argue that Meghan, as a bride, was focused on her vision for the wedding and faced undue scrutiny.
Key Points of the Controversy
- Dress Fit Issues: Kate felt Charlotte’s dress was ill-fitting, while Meghan insisted on adjustments by a tailor rather than remaking all dresses.
- Tights Debate: A disagreement over whether flower girls should wear tights highlighted differing views on tradition versus modernity.
- Emotional Fallout: Both Kate and Meghan were reportedly emotional, with Meghan clarifying she was the one who cried.
- Public Narrative: Media reports initially painted Meghan as the aggressor, but her and Harry’s accounts challenge this portrayal.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate
The incident has divided royal watchers. Some sympathize with Meghan, viewing her as a bride under pressure who faced unfair criticism. Others believe Kate’s concerns as a mother were valid and feel Meghan’s approach was dismissive. Social media posts have amplified the controversy, with some claiming Meghan showed favoritism toward Ivy Mulroney, though these remain unverified. The lack of direct evidence from palace insiders keeps the truth murky, leaving room for speculation.
What’s the Truth?
Without firsthand accounts from those directly involved, the full story remains unclear. What is evident is that wedding preparations were stressful, and a misunderstanding escalated emotions on both sides. Meghan and Harry have consistently maintained that the narrative was twisted to portray Meghan negatively, while Kate’s silence aligns with her approach to avoiding public disputes. As with many royal stories, the truth likely lies in a complex mix of perspectives, heightened by media amplification.
This episode continues to spark curiosity about the dynamics within the royal family. As new details emerge, the public remains eager to understand the relationships behind the headlines.
