The recent visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, to Southport has not only stirred deep emotions within the grieving community but has reportedly caused tension back in Montecito.
While the royal couple offered quiet, heartfelt support to the families of three young girls tragically killed in a knife attack, Meghan Markle is said to be fuming over the dignified, low-profile approach that has earned Catherine widespread praise.
William and Catherine arrived in Southport to meet with the families of Baby King, Elsie D'Ostano, and Alice De Silva Aguier, all victims of the horrific stabbing that occurred in July. The visit, which was kept deliberately under wraps, marked Catherine’s first public appearance since completing a round of chemotherapy. Far from being a mere photo opportunity, their visit was designed to convey genuine sympathy and support to those who have endured unimaginable loss.
The public has long drawn comparisons between the two royal wives—Catherine and Meghan—often fueling a sense of rivalry. This recent visit highlights a clear contrast between Catherine’s restrained, empathetic approach and Meghan’s more public, often perceived, quest for the spotlight. In Southport, William and Catherine’s visit was announced only after their departure, ensuring that it remained intimate and respectful, avoiding the media frenzy that can often accompany such appearances. In addition to meeting with the victims’ families, they also spent time with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, who was seriously injured while protecting her students during the attack. William and Catherine then spoke with first responders and mental health professionals, offering their support to the wider community. William praised the emergency workers as "true professionals," while Catherine called them "true heroes," further reinforcing the couple's genuine connection to the people they met.
Critics have taken this opportunity to contrast Meghan's approach to sensitive situations. In particular, they have drawn attention to her highly publicized visit to Uvalde, Texas, following the school shooting last year. Meghan was accused of using the tragedy as a platform for self-promotion, with her gestures seen as calculated for maximum media impact. Detractors have pointed out that while Catherine displayed grounded, sincere empathy, Meghan’s previous attempts to align herself with grieving communities have often been seen as lacking the subtlety and grace that Catherine demonstrates.
Observers have noted that Catherine’s wardrobe choices for such visits are always thoughtful and modest, reflecting her understanding of the somber context. In contrast, Meghan has often been criticized for a more "look at me" fashion sense, which some interpret as prioritizing her image over the sensitivity of the occasion. As the public watches, the distinct differences in how these two women conduct themselves in sensitive matters become increasingly apparent. Catherine’s careful avoidance of public statements that might seem performative stands in stark contrast to Meghan’s frequent appearances in the media spotlight.
This contrast has led critics to argue that Catherine’s empathetic approach only highlights Meghan’s alleged focus on shaping her own narrative. It’s easy to imagine Meghan feeling frustrated over Catherine’s well-received Southport visit. After all, Catherine’s dignity and poise continue to win her admiration and respect on a global scale, while Meghan’s reputation remains a subject of ongoing debate. Catherine has shown that she understands the influence of her position and uses it to bring comfort and solace without drawing attention to herself.
For the people of Southport, William and Catherine’s visit was undoubtedly meaningful and deeply appreciated. For the rest of us, it serves as a reminder that sometimes actions speak louder than words or flashy appearances. As Catherine continues to solidify her role as a compassionate and thoughtful figure, Meghan may find that her attempts to outshine her sister-in-law only underscore the very differences that keep her in the shadows.
