Prince William's patience has reportedly worn thin when it comes to Meghan Markle’s persistent efforts to draw comparisons between herself and Princess Diana.
The future king is said to be at his breaking point, frustrated by what many see as an obsessive attempt to mimic his late mother’s image. And honestly, can anyone blame him? For years, Meghan’s efforts to channel Diana have gone from slightly uncomfortable to outright unsettling. She never met the Princess of Wales, nor was she part of the royal family during the heartbreaking years following Diana’s tragic passing. She did not witness the profound loss that shaped William and Harry as young boys, yet she seems to have appointed herself as the unofficial torchbearer of Diana’s memory. Now, according to sources close to the royal family, William has had enough.
Reports indicate that behind closed doors, the Prince of Wales is furious over Meghan’s ongoing attempts to link herself to his mother’s legacy. Though he remains composed in public, as a true professional royal does, insiders claim he is privately seething. That’s the fundamental difference between William and the Sussexes, isn’t it? While he handles family matters with discretion, they have chosen to broadcast every grievance to the world, whether through interviews, documentaries, or social media.
The latest incident to fuel William’s frustration involved a seemingly calculated fashion choice on Meghan’s part. In a recent Instagram video, she wore a blue sweatshirt with university-style lettering—an unmistakable nod to an iconic outfit Diana once wore, complete with white shorts. Though Meghan’s full ensemble wasn’t visible, the reference was clear, leading many to believe it was yet another deliberate attempt to align herself visually with the late princess.
This isn’t the first time Meghan has invoked Diana’s memory in a way that feels more strategic than sentimental. Many recall the moment in the Sussexes' Netflix documentary when Meghan showed Archie a photo of Diana, prompting him to say, "Hi, Grandma. That’s Grandma Diana." The scene, meant to appear touching, instead struck a nerve with those who saw it as a blatant use of Diana’s image to add emotional weight to a film that largely criticized the royal family. One can only imagine William’s reaction—watching in silence, head in hands, heart heavy with grief.
For William, this isn’t just about a name or an outfit. Diana was his mother. He lived through the agony of her untimely death, endured a globally televised funeral as a grieving child, and grew up without her presence at the most pivotal moments of his life. Her loss shaped him in ways few can understand. Yet here stands Meghan, someone who never knew Diana, using her name, image, and legacy to fuel her own public narrative.
The naming of the Sussexes’ daughter, Lilibet Diana, remains another sore point. While using Diana as a middle name would have been a heartfelt tribute, combining it with Lilibet—Queen Elizabeth’s deeply personal nickname—felt like a double appropriation. It’s hard to imagine that decision sitting well with either William or King Charles.
If Meghan’s references to Diana were purely about keeping her memory alive for her grandchildren, it would be one thing. But the timing of these homages is rarely coincidental. They always seem to align with the launch of a new project, a media appearance, or a major publicity push. The calculated nature of it all is breathtakingly cynical. A royal insider even suggested that William must wish he could tell Meghan to stop exploiting his mother’s legacy. But he knows he can’t control her, and that realization eats away at him.
William faces an impossible dilemma. If he speaks out, he fuels another media frenzy, providing fresh material for the Sussexes to use in their narrative of victimhood. If he stays silent, he must watch helplessly as his mother’s memory is commodified by someone who simultaneously undermines the very institution Diana once served.
At its core, this is emotional vampirism. Meghan is drawing on the public’s enduring affection for Diana, attempting to transfer that admiration onto herself. It’s a PR strategy as transparent as it is exploitative. But contrast this with how Catherine, the Princess of Wales, honors Diana. Yes, she wears Diana’s engagement ring, but she doesn’t attempt to embody her. She doesn’t recreate her looks for attention, nor does she invoke her name for personal gain. Instead, Catherine honors Diana’s legacy through her work, her steadfast commitment to the monarchy, and her role as a devoted mother to Diana’s grandchildren. She understands that the best way to pay tribute isn’t through Instagram posts or carefully curated fashion choices but through service and dedication.
The timing of Meghan’s latest Diana tribute feels especially tone-deaf, given the current state of the royal family. While Catherine recovers from major surgery and King Charles undergoes treatment for cancer, the working royals are shouldering real burdens, carrying on with their responsibilities despite personal hardships. Meanwhile, in Montecito, Meghan appears more focused on crafting an image than contributing to anything meaningful. The contrast couldn’t be more stark.
Ironically, Harry once seemed to understand the sanctity of his mother’s memory. Early in his relationship with Meghan, he was protective, insisting he didn’t want her compared to Diana or subjected to the same pressures. Yet over time, those comparisons have become central to the Sussex brand. It’s as if Harry has forgotten how much he once resented the media for using his mother’s name and likeness. Now, he and Meghan lean into that very exploitation, wielding Diana’s memory as a marketing tool.
William’s frustration mirrors that of many who hold Diana’s memory dear. She wasn’t just his mother; she was a beloved figure to the public, and people remain fiercely protective of her legacy. Moving forward, William will continue to do what he does best—uphold the dignity of the monarchy, raise his children with integrity, and honor his mother through action rather than spectacle. He will maintain his composure, even as his anger simmers behind the scenes.
As for Meghan, this likely won’t be the last time she invokes Diana’s name, wardrobe, or imagery for attention. As long as there’s a spotlight to chase, Diana will remain a convenient tool in her arsenal. And William, bound by duty and honor, will be left to watch, powerless to intervene yet resolute in protecting his mother’s true legacy.
For those who remember the real Diana—the woman who evolved from a shy kindergarten teacher to a global humanitarian—the responsibility now lies with us. It’s up to us to see through the transparent attempts to appropriate her legacy and instead support those who uphold her values through service, not spectacle.
Diana once said, “Carry out a random act of kindness with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” That was the Diana the world fell in love with—the one who found nobility in selfless service, not in curated Instagram posts, Netflix specials, or PR maneuvers. William understands this. Catherine understands this. And as long as they continue to honor Diana through their deeds rather than their wardrobes, her legacy will remain intact—no matter how many blue sweatshirts Meghan decides to wear.
