Kate Middleton & Meghan Markle's Bridesmaid Dress Clash Hit With New Perspective

By Afouda Bamidele on May 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM EDT

A photo collage of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle
Advertisement

There are indeed three sides to every story, and Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton's clash is no exception!

A royal staff member is shedding more light on the famous bridesmaids' dress incident between the Duchess of Sussex and the Princess of Wales that reportedly left them emotional.

Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton reportedly share a frosty relationship as things escalated between them while the actress and her husband resided in the United Kingdom before they eventually relocated in 2020.

Article continues below advertisement

New Book Claims Kate Middleton And Meghan Markle Were Both Upset

The Prince and Princess of Wales along with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the Duke and Duchess of Sussex view the tributes at Windsor
James Whatling / MEGA

A recent royal biography, "Yes, Ma'am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants," by Tom Quinn, presents a different perspective on the well-known incident between Meghan and Princess Kate regarding bridesmaids' dresses. 

This account contrasts with Meghan's narrative shared during her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she indicated that the media portrayed her as having made Kate cry. According to Meghan, the real truth was that the opposite happened, and Kate had made her cry, later apologizing with flowers.

In the new biography, a royal staff member reportedly clarified that both women were upset during their discussion about the dresses, with each saying things they later regretted.

Article continues below advertisement

"I can tell you that all the papers and commentators got this wrong, the truth is that as with many of these spats between sisters, brothers or even sisters-in-law, both sides were really upset," the staff noted.

The staff member emphasized that the media had blown the incident out of proportion, describing it as a "storm in a teacup." Traditionally, private disputes within the royal family remain largely unspoken publicly, but various grievances at the time led to this particular argument gaining significant attention. 

The staff member noted that over time, such private matters can become distorted by the media, influencing perceptions among the royals themselves and creating lasting tensions.

Article continues below advertisement

According to Newsweek, this incident reportedly became emblematic of broader issues between Meghan, Kate, and other family members.

Article continues below advertisement

Inside The Netflix Star And Prince Harry's Account Of Events

Harry and Meghan attend Invictus Games Training in Whistler
James Whatling / MEGA

In a previous revealing story, Harry provided details that challenged Meghan's previous statements during her interview with Oprah. Meghan had claimed that Kate apologized for a prior incident, stating, "She owned it, and she apologized. And she brought me flowers and a note." 

However, Harry's recollection presented a different narrative surrounding the issue involving Princess Charlotte's dress, which reportedly upset Kate. 

Leading up to the wedding, Kate reached out to Meghan to express concerns about the dress, insisting it was too large and baggy, which had caused Charlotte to cry when she tried it on.

Article continues below advertisement

Meghan responded, indicating that a tailor was prepared to adjust the dress at Kensington Palace. However, Kate insisted that the dresses must be remade, escalating tensions just days before the wedding.

Harry described finding Meghan in distress upon returning home. Although he felt her emotions were understandable given the circumstances, he believed the situation was temporary and that Kate did not intend any harm. 

He continued that they later met with Prince William and Kate to address the press's portrayal of Meghan as the one who made Kate cry. In his words:

"Kate got things rolling straightaway by acknowledging that these stories in the papers about Meg making her cry were totally false. 'I know, Meghan, that I was the one who made you cry."

While Meghan appreciated the apology, she was left questioning why the media had reported falsehoods about the situation and whether any steps were being taken to correct them.

Article continues below advertisement

Meghan Felt Remorseful About Relationship with Kate After News Of Her Cancer Diagnosis

Members of The Royal Family attend the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
James Whatling / MEGA

Last July, The Blast reported that the shocking news of Kate's cancer diagnosis left her feeling "remorseful" about their strained relationship. The Netflix star was even contemplating mending ties with the royal family. 

Although Meghan and Prince Harry reached out to Kate following her cancer diagnosis, many royal experts believe that their tense dynamic is unlikely to improve.

The relationship between Meghan and Kate was never particularly strong, even before Meghan married Harry, with notable tensions arising over the flower girls' dresses at Meghan's wedding.

Since stepping back from royal duties and making significant accusations against the family, their relationship has deteriorated further. 

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich reportedly suggested that while Meghan desires reconciliation and is trying to avoid any lingering conflict, it may be too late for Kate to see any benefit in repairing their bond.

Article continues below advertisement

The Duchess Was Open To Hashing Things Out With Her Estranged In-laws

Meghan Markle visit to Colombia with Prince Harry
¡dehoy! Agency / MEGA

A source disclosed that Meghan felt genuinely hurt by her estrangement from the royal family, although any hopes for reconciliation seem unlikely for now. 

While Prince Harry reportedly appeared more willing to move on, Meghan was seeking an opportunity for a conversation to mend her relationship with the Windsors.

"It's not a case of Meghan being difficult, she genuinely feels hurt and would like some kind of sit-down to hash things through — but that's not something the other side is willing to consider at this time," the source added.

Royal expert Quinn also elaborated on another growing situation. He noted that there was a growing rift between Harry and Meghan. The expert suggested that Meghan's increasing concern over her life not aligning with her expectations has left her feeling "under siege." 

Despite her love for media attention, she was reportedly troubled by surveys that indicate a declining interest in her and Harry among the American public, contributing to her feelings of discontent and alienation.

Article continues below advertisement

Prince Harry Was Expected To Make A Valiant Return To The U.K. Without Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Colombia
MEGA

The Duke of Sussex also reportedly longed to return to the UK, hoping to establish a permanent residence and heal his strained family relationships. 

Royal expert Hugo Vickers suggested that this reconciliation may occur without Meghan. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry has visited the UK multiple times, while Meghan has only been back once for Queen Elizabeth's burial procession. 

Vickers, who co-authored a memoir about Prince Edward, believed Harry would eventually return to the UK permanently. He described Harry as an "angry" individual who is apprehensive about losing Meghan. 

However, he remained optimistic that Harry would return, emphasizing the need for kindness toward him, given his tumultuous feelings about returning home.

Will the royal family react to this latest story about Meghan Markle and Princess Kate Middleton?

Advertisement