Meghan Markle’s ongoing publicity tour led her to the Drew Barrymore Show, where she likely expected the usual fawning treatment and soft questions.
However, Drew, a Hollywood icon in her own right, had an unexpected move that momentarily caught Meghan off guard—perhaps even leaving her seething beneath the surface. The moment of subtle shade unfolded when Drew gently presented Meghan with a black-and-white photograph of none other than Princess Diana. At first glance, it seemed like a simple, sentimental gesture, but it quickly evolved into an extraordinary display of one-upmanship.
With the same genuine sincerity that made her America's sweetheart, Drew shared that she had actually met Diana when she was just seven years old, fresh off the success of E.T. She even recalled gifting the late princess a stuffed toy. Then, she delivered the line that likely set Meghan’s inner monologue into overdrive: "It means so much to me to have met such an incredible human being who transcended everything. It was the honor of my life." Meghan responded with a breathy laugh, exclaiming, "Oh my gosh, look at your little face! Oh, that's so sweet. That’s really special. I will tell H that for sure." But despite her composed exterior, a brief flicker of discomfort was unmistakable.
No matter how hard Meghan tries to align herself with Diana’s legacy—whether through her fashion choices, public statements, or constant comparisons—she will never have that photo. She will never have met Diana. And Drew, with her whimsical charm, had just reminded everyone of that fact. The internet, unsurprisingly, had a field day. Comments flooded in, with one user quipping, "Not only was meeting Diana the honor of Drew’s life, but not Meghan’s—obviously." Another added, "Drew subtly reminded the world that she met Diana, and Meghan did not. What a flex!" Some pointed out that Drew had played a masterful game of social strategy, effortlessly disarming Meghan with a moment of polite but undeniable shade.
Drew, a woman who grew up navigating the unpredictable world of Hollywood, was effortlessly playing 3D chess while Meghan was still setting up the board. As one commentator observed, "Drew is no fool. She’s seen every type of con in L.A. She can throw shade at an expert level if she chooses—and she absolutely chose to." Meanwhile, Meghan, who has been on a mission to reinvent herself as an American Duchess meets lifestyle guru, seemed to be doing everything in her power to maintain composure. A viewer joked, "She’s trying really hard not to explode." Another chimed in, "Narcissists hate being upstaged or left out, and there’s no way for Meghan to ever get a photo of herself with Diana. She’s fuming inside."
Adding another layer to the spectacle was Meghan’s insistence on being addressed as Meghan Sussex, something Drew obligingly complied with. Ever since Meghan’s infamous declaration that Sussex is her surname—not Markle—speculation has run rampant. One theory suggests that she is strategically setting the stage for a future divorce while ensuring she keeps the royal-sounding name. "Petty? Maybe. Entertaining? Absolutely," one user remarked.
Perhaps the most ironic twist of all is Meghan’s past claim that Diana has spoken to her from beyond the grave. If she couldn’t meet Diana in person, what’s the next best thing? Claiming to channel her spirit, of course. Intentional or not, Drew delivered one of the most expertly executed moments of passive-aggressive shade in recent memory. And somewhere, Meghan is likely still grinding her teeth, realizing that no amount of PR spin can change the fact that, despite being married to Diana’s son, she will never share that moment with the late princess herself.
