Meghan Markle’s latest appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show seemed set to follow the usual formula—warm praise, friendly banter, and easy questions.
However, Drew Barrymore, a Hollywood icon in her own right, had an unexpected twist in store, one that momentarily caught Meghan off guard. Beneath her carefully composed exterior, there was likely a flicker of irritation. The moment unfolded when Drew handed Meghan a black-and-white photograph of Princess Diana. At first glance, it appeared to be a thoughtful gesture, a subtle nod to Meghan’s connection to the late princess.
Yet, what followed was a masterclass in understated one-upmanship. With the same wide-eyed sincerity that made her America’s sweetheart, Drew revealed that she had met Diana when she was just seven years old, fresh from her breakout success in E.T. She fondly recalled presenting the princess with a stuffed toy during their meeting. Then came the comment that must have sent Meghan’s thoughts racing—Drew described it as “the honor of my life” to have met such an extraordinary person who transcended everything.
Meghan responded with a breathy laugh, exclaiming, “Oh my gosh, look at your little face! That’s so sweet, that’s really special. I will tell Harry that for sure.” Yet, for a fleeting moment, her discomfort was unmistakable. No matter how many Diana-inspired outfits Meghan wears or how often she aligns herself with Diana’s legacy, she will never have that photograph. She will never have met Diana. And with effortless charm, Drew had just reminded everyone of that fact.
The internet, unsurprisingly, had a field day. Many pointed out that meeting Diana had been the highlight of Drew’s life—not Meghan’s—making the moment an unintentional but sharp reminder of what Meghan could never have. Social media users praised Drew’s subtle yet effective move, with one commenter noting, “Drew is no fool. She’s seen every kind of con in Hollywood. If she wants to throw shade, she does it masterfully—and she did.” Another joked, “She’s trying so hard not to explode.”
Meghan, who has been working tirelessly to rebrand herself as an American duchess and lifestyle guru, seemed to be holding it together, but just barely. Observers speculated on her insistence on being called “Meghan Sussex” rather than “Meghan Markle,” with one user theorizing that she was setting the stage for a future divorce, ensuring she could keep the title. While some dismissed this as petty speculation, others found it entertaining.
Perhaps the most biting comment came from a user who quipped, “Diana spoke to Meghan from beyond the grave. If you can’t actually meet Diana, the next best thing is claiming to channel her spirit.” Whether intentional or not, Drew delivered one of the most flawlessly executed moments of polite shade morning television has ever seen. And somewhere, Meghan is probably still grinding her teeth, realizing that no amount of carefully crafted PR can change the fact that while she may have married Diana’s son, she will never have her own moment with Diana herself.
