If you believe the tabloids, the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex are currently embroiled in a bitter feud.
“Tension between Meghan and Kate could be behind Harry and Meghan’s move to the ’burbs,” says one. “Is Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton’s rift causing tension between Harry and William?” ponders another. “Is the royal sisterhood at breaking point?” suggests a third.
The stories comes in light of reports that Harry and Meghan are set to move out of Kensington Palace into a cottage at Windsor Castle, about 30 kilometres from London.
Shock, horror! A pair of newlyweds expecting their first child have opted not to live on the same property as their brother and sister-in-law and a roll call of royals from their grandmothers’ generation.
Rumours of a rift between the women have been rife since Meghan first stepped onto the scene with her signature Markle sparkle – apparently Kate considered the American “an acquired taste”. And naturally, Meghan is stealing Kate’s style. Or is it the other way around? Because surely no two women could both wear autumnal burgundy by pure chance?
According to the Daily Mail, the divide is real and simple: “Kate and Meghan are very different people. They don’t really get on.”
Perhaps they do, perhaps they don’t. Maybe they’re close, maybe they’re just cordial. As anyone who has a sister-in-law knows, a marriage certificate is not an instant ticket to a new best friend for heart-to-hearts and hair-braiding.
But the notion that two smart, successful and stylish women cannot get along – a narrative we’ve seen belittle female television casts and girl bands time and time again – is simplistic and false.
Our tip? Stop clicking on headlines that pit women against each other. Let’s not indulge the rumours.
