In a recent interview with People Magazine on September 19th, Serena Williams made an unexpected remark that some interpreted as a subtle jab at her supposed best friend, Meghan Markle.
Prince Williams stated, "My daughter just turned seven. She's not into princesses anymore; she's into Taylor Swift now." This comment added an interesting twist to the ongoing saga involving the royals and their relationships. The mention of Taylor Swift—often hailed as the Queen of Pop and perceived by some as Meghan's unintentional rival—seemed to inject a playful element into the conversation. Serena’s words appeared to downplay Meghan’s connection to the idea of royalty, suggesting that the only crown her daughter is interested in is one related to music, not royalty.
What made Serena's comments intriguing was the implication behind them. Her words seemed to throw a subtle dig at Meghan's fairy-tale aspirations, hinting that the Duchess of Sussex may be more concerned with titles and prestige than reality. Serena, always known for her glamorous yet down-to-earth image, seemed to reflect on the superficiality of their relationship, possibly suggesting that their bond has become more transactional than genuine. Meghan’s history of relationships—such as those with Jessica Mulroney, her former husband Trevor Engelson, and even her estranged father, Thomas Markle—have often been characterized by their abrupt endings once they seemingly no longer served her. In this context, Serena’s relationship with Meghan begins to appear like yet another opportunistic friendship, lingering only as long as it’s mutually beneficial.
The notion that Serena and Meghan are "besties" feels questionable to some. It’s almost as if Serena saw Meghan’s royal marriage as an opportunity to strengthen their public association. Their connection, however, appears more like a strategic alliance than a genuine friendship, akin to a business partnership rather than a heartfelt bond. Meghan’s public image is often tied to her husband Prince Harry, and some have speculated that their relationship serves as a vehicle for enhancing her status and influence. Serena’s willingness to participate in Meghan’s podcast also raises questions, possibly fueling speculation that their friendship is more about convenience than emotional depth.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, known for her sharp business acumen and discerning social choices, famously declined an invitation from Meghan to appear on her podcast. Swift, recognized for her shrewdness, likely saw through Meghan's attempts to leverage her fame. This rejection might further highlight the differences in how Swift and Serena approach relationships with Meghan. While Serena appeared to humor Meghan by engaging in her ventures, Swift made a calculated decision to distance herself.
There is an undeniable irony when considering Serena’s public advocacy for animal rights alongside her attendance at events like Prince Harry’s polo matches—where ethical concerns about the sport have often been raised. Some found Serena’s involvement amusing, given the contrast between her well-publicized animal rights stance and the nature of such events. It added to the layers of contradiction in her public persona.
As for Taylor Swift, her casual engagement with royalty, as shown by her taking a selfie with Princess Charlotte, contradicts Serena’s claim that her daughter has lost interest in princesses. It underscores Swift’s ability to maintain an authentic and relatable image while still navigating high-profile circles. Serena’s comments, while lighthearted, came across as less credible, especially in the context of the complicated relationships Meghan has with the royal family.
Moreover, Serena’s own actions haven’t always aligned with her poised public image. For instance, an incident at the Peninsula Hotel in Paris, where she complained on social media after being turned away from a fully-booked restaurant, painted her in a less flattering light. Rather than handling the situation gracefully, her public complaints were met with widespread criticism, with many accusing her of acting entitled. This incident clashed with the image of humility and hard work that Serena had cultivated throughout her career.
In contrast, Serena’s career has been built on undeniable talent and perseverance, traits that set her apart from Meghan and Harry, who some critics believe have relied more on their royal titles and public image than on tangible achievements. Serena and Meghan’s friendship has often felt one-sided, with Meghan appearing far more invested in maintaining their connection than Serena, who seems more indifferent to the media spectacle surrounding them. The dynamic between the two is reminiscent of a reality TV show—uncomfortable to watch, yet impossible to ignore.
In the end, Serena’s recent comments seemed to reflect the essence of their relationship: opportunistic and surface-level. The friendship appears to be more about maintaining appearances and navigating the world of celebrity rather than a meaningful, lasting connection. Like many of Meghan's other relationships, this one seems destined to fade when it no longer serves a purpose.
