In a recent interview with People Magazine on September 19th, Serena Williams surprised many by taking what seemed like a subtle jab at her supposed close friend, Meghan Markle.
When discussing her daughter, Williams casually remarked, "My daughter just turned seven. She's not into princesses; she's into Taylor Swift now." This seemingly lighthearted comment quickly became a talking point, sparking speculation about deeper undertones in the remark. Taylor Swift, often hailed as the Queen of Pop, has found herself, perhaps unwittingly, pulled into the ongoing saga surrounding Meghan Markle.
Serena’s words appear to mock Meghan’s alleged fairy-tale aspirations, insinuating that perhaps Meghan's "princess" image is outdated, and that the true crown belongs to a more relatable figure—a music-loving mom like Serena herself.
It’s interesting to consider Serena's glamorous public persona. One might have assumed that she would align herself with Meghan, another high-profile figure. But Serena’s comment suggests a recognition that her connection with Meghan may be more fleeting than it appears. Their relationship has long felt more transactional than heartfelt. Meghan’s friendships, after all, seem to dissolve when they no longer offer her a social or personal advantage. Think of her relationships with Jessica Mulroney, Trevor Engelson, or even her father, Thomas Markle Sr. As soon as their influence or value diminishes, they vanish from Meghan's life. Serena, it seems, could be next in a long line of acquaintances Meghan has leaned on for status but never truly bonded with.
The idea that Serena and Meghan are true "besties" has always seemed questionable. It often feels as though Serena saw Meghan's marriage to Prince Harry as an opportunity to align herself with royalty, at least for a time. Their friendship gives off the impression of being more like a strategic business arrangement than a genuine connection. Both women are savvy players in the high-stakes world of celebrity, with Prince Harry often seen as the key to maintaining their public personas and access to elite circles.
Yet, despite these observations, Serena didn’t hesitate to appear on Meghan’s podcast, further fueling speculation about the nature of their relationship. On the other hand, Taylor Swift, known for her sharp business instincts, appeared to see through Meghan's attempts to associate with her, politely but firmly declining to be part of Meghan’s orbit. This rejection contrasts sharply with Serena’s apparent willingness to stay in Meghan’s social sphere, at least for now.
The dynamics between these figures offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of celebrity friendships, where alliances are often based on status and convenience. Serena’s presence at events like Prince Harry’s polo match, where Netflix cameras were rolling, feels almost ironic. Her strong advocacy for animal rights makes her attendance at an event associated with questionable practices, like horse riding, seem contradictory. This, coupled with Meghan's own contradictory public stances, adds a layer of irony that many observers can’t help but find amusing.
As for Taylor Swift, it’s worth noting that, despite Serena’s comment about her daughter’s shift in interest away from "princesses," Swift herself maintains a soft spot for royalty. She was recently seen taking a selfie with Princess Charlotte, a gesture that contradicts Serena's implication that royalty no longer holds any fascination. This further calls into question the credibility of Serena’s remarks and perhaps even reflects the superficiality of her relationship with Meghan.
Serena’s public image, while often glamorous, has not been without its own controversies. A recent incident at the Peninsula Hotel in Paris, where she was reportedly turned away from a fully booked restaurant, led to an unfortunate display of entitlement. Instead of accepting the situation with grace, Serena took to social media to air her grievances, a move that backfired as people criticized her for acting like a diva. This incident highlights the stark contrast between Serena's hard-earned success and Meghan’s perceived reliance on royal titles to maintain relevance.
Ultimately, Serena and Meghan’s friendship has always felt one-sided. Meghan appears more invested, while Serena seems somewhat indifferent, treating the relationship as more of a spectacle than a genuine bond. Watching the two interact can feel like watching a reality TV show—entertaining but shallow. Serena’s recent comments reflect the nature of their relationship: calculated, opportunistic, and based on appearances rather than a true connection. In the end, both women seem to be playing the same social game, where status is everything, and authenticity is hard to find.
