There are moments in royal history that command global attention, and Princess Catherine’s recent appearance at the state banquet was one of them. Draped in elegance and radiating the quiet confidence of a future queen, Catherine reminded the world why she has become the monarchy’s most admired figure. But as the images of her iconic night dominated headlines, another story began brewing across the Atlantic—Meghan Markle’s latest, and some say rather pathetic, attempt to claw back attention that wasn’t hers to begin with.
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Timing, as ever, was everything. Just as Catherine’s photographs from the glittering banquet flooded the media, Meghan made sure her own “moment” landed almost simultaneously. Whether it was a staged photoshoot, a conveniently timed charity appearance, or a carefully packaged social media push, the intent could not have been more obvious: she wanted to compete with the woman she cannot seem to escape being compared to. To many observers, it looked less like empowerment and more like desperation.
The contrast between the two women could not have been starker. Catherine’s role is defined by duty, restraint, and a deep understanding of the symbolic weight she carries as the Princess of Wales. Her presence at the banquet wasn’t about her—it was about representing the crown, the country, and the continuity of tradition. Meghan’s move, by contrast, felt centered on herself, on her image, and on recapturing the kind of headlines she has struggled to maintain since leaving the royal fold.
What makes this attempt particularly striking is how predictable it has become. Time and again, Meghan has been accused of trying to mirror or overshadow Catherine’s big moments—whether it be with clothing choices, publicity stunts, or carefully released interviews. Yet, each attempt seems only to highlight the difference in how the two women are received. Catherine’s appearances are applauded as regal, timeless, and graceful. Meghan’s are often read as contrived, forced, and self-serving.
Supporters of Meghan may argue that she has every right to live her life, appear in public, and pursue her own projects. But critics counter that the constant overlaps are no coincidence. To them, Meghan thrives on drawing a direct line of competition with Catherine, knowing full well that global media will eagerly play along. The problem for Meghan is that this game is one she cannot win. Every attempt to “outshine” only reinforces the perception that Catherine is the natural star, while Meghan is chasing shadows.
Behind the palace gates, the contrast has not gone unnoticed either. William and Catherine are increasingly seen as the steady hands guiding the monarchy into its future, while Harry and Meghan appear caught in a cycle of attention-seeking moves that wear thin with every repetition. The state banquet was Catherine’s stage, and she owned it effortlessly. Meghan’s parallel performance, however, only reminded the world how far she has drifted from the grace and gravitas she once seemed to aspire to.
In the end, Meghan’s attempt to redirect the spotlight didn’t just fail—it backfired. Rather than diminishing Catherine’s glow, it magnified it, proving once again that true royalty doesn’t need to demand attention. It simply commands it.