Meghan Markle’s latest attempt to reclaim the spotlight from the British Royal Family seemed to fall flat once again.
Employing a classic "look at me" move, her efforts were overshadowed by the genuine warmth of Princess Catherine’s birthday celebrations. To start, let’s talk about Prince William, a man who knows how to honor his wife with grace and sincerity. On January 9th, in celebration of Princess Catherine’s birthday, William shared a heartfelt tribute across his social media accounts, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
"To the most incredible wife and mother, the strength you've shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis, and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you."
Accompanying the post was a previously unseen photograph of Catherine looking radiant in casual attire—a pair of jeans and a gingham scarf, capturing her natural beauty and down-to-earth charm. This touching display of affection resonated worldwide, garnering millions of views and an outpouring of birthday wishes in the comments section. It was a masterclass in understated elegance and authentic connection, qualities the public has come to associate with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Meanwhile, as the world celebrated Catherine, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attempted to redirect attention their way. On the same day, they released a statement addressing the devastating wildfires in California. While wildfires are undeniably a serious issue, the timing of their announcement appeared less altruistic and more opportunistic. The statement, shared on their official website and likely read only by their PR team, encouraged people to check on neighbors and donate to charities. However, many questioned the necessity of such a message at that precise moment, as Catherine's birthday was trending globally.
This wasn’t the first time the Sussexes had been accused of tone-deaf timing. Critics drew comparisons to their infamous "Uvalde moment," another poorly received attempt to insert themselves into a serious situation. Social media quickly picked up on the predictability of the Sussexes’ moves. It’s become a pattern: whenever Princess Catherine garners attention, Meghan seems to respond with an impassioned statement or a meticulously orchestrated public appearance.
And yet, these efforts rarely achieve the desired effect. Reports suggested that Meghan was already planning her next photo op—a regal-looking room, a crisp white dress with pockets, and her signature "serious yet relatable" expression. But the damage was done. Catherine’s warmth and authenticity had already captured the public's hearts, leaving little room for Meghan’s carefully staged attempts at relevance.
Adding fuel to the fire was Harry’s past assertion that he was the "only royal to marry for love." This claim, viewed by many as an unnecessary jab at his family, rings increasingly hollow in light of William and Catherine’s evident affection and partnership. Their public interactions radiate genuine admiration and respect, a stark contrast to the strained optics surrounding the Sussexes.
Unsurprisingly, the Sussexes’ wildfire statement received more ridicule than praise. Social media users lambasted the couple for their lack of tangible contributions, with one commenter sarcastically noting, "Why are they asking others to open their homes when they won’t open their mansion?" Another quipped, "Even Jamie Lee Curtis donated $1 million for fire relief. Meanwhile, the Sussexes gave us… a statement. Bravo."
If Meghan’s goal was to overshadow Catherine, she failed spectacularly. The Prince and Princess of Wales continue to exude authenticity, love, and grace—qualities that many believe Meghan and Harry struggle to emulate. Instead of trying to outshine Catherine, perhaps Meghan could focus on creating meaningful impact through genuine action rather than hollow gestures. But then again, where’s the drama in that?
