Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah was full of bold claims, including her account of attending Wimbledon.
While she insisted that the event wasn’t what it seemed, she may not have realized just how much her body language had already revealed. Experts who analyzed footage from that day uncovered subtle but telling dynamics, showing that Kate and Pippa Middleton had outmaneuvered her with effortless grace.
The seating arrangement alone spoke volumes. At first glance, placing Meghan between Kate and Pippa may have seemed like a gesture of inclusion, but in reality, it was a carefully executed containment strategy. This setup ensured that Meghan was positioned under their watchful gaze from both sides, subtly preventing her from dominating the event. It was a masterclass in royal diplomacy—polite, controlled, and intentional.
Meghan’s discomfort was impossible to miss. She repeatedly touched her neck, a universal sign of anxiety, and wrapped an arm around her torso in a self-soothing gesture. These were not mere nervous habits; they were physical manifestations of the realization that she was completely out of her depth. In contrast, Kate remained poised and composed, her hands resting effortlessly behind her back. This stance wasn’t just good posture—it was a display of quiet authority, reinforcing her confidence and command of the situation.
Their fashion choices also conveyed unspoken messages. Kate dazzled in a custom emerald green Dolce & Gabbana dress, a perfect blend of tradition and modern elegance. Meghan, on the other hand, opted for a white shirt and Hugo Boss skirt, a combination that seemed to straddle the line between business casual and Hollywood chic but achieved neither. While Kate exuded effortless regality, Meghan appeared to be trying too hard to fit a role that didn’t quite suit her.
Comparing this event to their previous Wimbledon appearance in 2018 only highlights the shift in dynamics. By 2019, Meghan had been married to Prince Harry for over a year and had spent significant time around Kate. Normally, one would expect some warmth—shared glances, synchronized expressions, or relaxed body language. Instead, there was a noticeable absence of genuine connection. Kate, ever the diplomat, maintained a polite but measured distance. She had already seen through Meghan’s persona and, while too gracious to snub her outright, made it clear that she would not engage in any forced displays of camaraderie.
This moment foreshadowed the events that would soon follow. Just six months later, Meghan and Harry announced their decision to step back from royal duties—a move that many interpreted as an attempt to retain the privileges of royalty while shedding the responsibilities. The signs had been there all along. Meghan’s discomfort at Wimbledon wasn’t just about nerves; it was the realization that she was up against women who knew exactly how to navigate the royal world, and she couldn’t manipulate or overshadow them.
Years later, Meghan would reference this very moment in her Oprah interview, claiming it wasn’t what it seemed. In a way, she was right, though not in the way she intended. That day at Wimbledon was a quiet but decisive display of power by the Middleton sisters. Without a single word, they managed her presence, ensuring she neither dictated the narrative nor disrupted the royal image. It was a tactical maneuver so effective that, even years later, it still lingers in Meghan’s mind.
Since then, the contrast between Kate and Meghan has only deepened. Kate has stepped seamlessly into her role as the Princess of Wales, gracefully balancing royal duties, charitable initiatives, and family life, all while handling personal challenges with dignity. Meghan, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain relevance. Her high-profile deals have crumbled, from a failed Spotify partnership to a heavily criticized Netflix documentary, and her rebranding efforts continue to falter.
What sets Kate apart is her patience. She spent nearly a decade preparing for her role, taking the time to understand royal life, embrace tradition, and cultivate genuine relationships. She knew that being part of the monarchy was about service, not self-promotion. Meghan, in contrast, seemed to expect immediate adoration and control, struggling with the reality that royalty is not about celebrity status but about duty and sacrifice.
The so-called "Middleton sandwich" at Wimbledon wasn’t just about seating arrangements. It was a carefully executed move by two women who understood exactly who they were dealing with. Kate and Pippa had spent years navigating royal scrutiny and weren’t about to let an outsider disrupt the institution they respected. They maintained composure, contained Meghan’s presence, and sent a clear message: they were in control.
Now, as Kate continues to embody strength and resilience while Meghan scrambles for reinvention, that day at Wimbledon stands as a defining moment. Kate understood her role then, just as she does now. Meghan never did—and likely never will. So the next time someone tries to cast Meghan as the victim, simply point them to those images. The truth is right there: Kate and Pippa, poised and in command, while Meghan, uneasy and outmatched, realized she wasn’t the one calling the shots.
