Calls for humility grow after Duchess’s remarks spark outrage on royal milestone
Meghan Markle has sparked controversy after making remarks just ahead of Prince William and Princess Kate’s 14th wedding anniversary, with critics accusing her of poor timing and a lack of humility.
In a recent appearance on The Jamie Kern Lima Show, the Duchess of Sussex said that she and Prince Harry are now able to “enjoy each other in a new way” after gaining “a little bit of breathing space” since leaving royal life in the UK. While the comments were intended as a personal reflection, they drew swift criticism from royal commentators and some members of the public.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward reacted strongly, telling GB News:
“If she wants to maintain some semblance of popularity, she's got to be a little bit more humble. She could have said the wedding was wonderful and the British people were welcoming. Even if she didn’t mean it, it’s not hard to say.”
The backlash intensified when the podcast host displayed a gift basket sent by Meghan, containing homemade strawberry sauce and ice cream, accompanied by a card reading: “With the compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.” Critics noted that Meghan and Prince Harry have agreed not to use their HRH titles in a working capacity, making the card’s wording a fresh source of controversy.
In contrast, Prince William and Princess Kate marked their anniversary with a widely praised appearance in Tobermory, Scotland, focusing on community engagement rather than personal reflections. The couple visited Aros Hall and an artisan market, meeting with local families and producers.
Their official message read:
“A huge thanks to the local community for the warm welcome and a brilliant afternoon spent in Tobermory. Proud to be supporting the renovation of Aros Hall ensuring vital social connections continue to thrive in this special corner of Scotland. Brilliant to also meet some of the Isle of Mull’s talented producers at the Artisan Market.”
While the Prince and Princess of Wales were applauded for their dignified and community-minded celebration, Meghan’s comments and accompanying gift stirred further debate—highlighting once again the stark contrast in tone and public reception between the royal households.
