Why is Meghan Markle Treated So Differently from Kate Middleton?

As the wives of Prince Harry and Prince William, respectively, Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton have found themselves in extremely similar life circumstances. They're almost the same age and have both become mothers since marrying into the royal family, but they've been treated vastly differently by the British press, with Markle painted as a troublemaker, flouting traditions seen as upheld by Middleton. The reasons why are numerous, and most of them are terribly unfair — especially when thought of in terms of racism, classism, and British nationalism.

“It’s discouraging that the British public holds her up to that,” a source claiming to be close to Markle told Us Weekly, who said she feels that there is a "standard set very high" for her. “Meghan has this sense of isolation being in the U.K., subject to cruel British media. Her hands are tied and she isn’t allowed to defend herself. It has been very difficult.”

Markle appeared to comment on how the press is treating her when she met Pharrell Williams on a recent date night with Prince Harry. 

“So happy for your union,” Williams told her at the premiere, as seen on footage from ITV. “Love is amazing. It’s wonderful. Don’t ever take that for granted, but what it means in today’s climate, I just wanted to tell you, it’s so significant for so many of us. Seriously. It’s significant. We cheer you guys on.”

“Thank you,” she said. “They don’t make it easy.” 

Despite the pressure to be more like Middleton and the rumors that the brothers had a rift after Prince Harry met Markle, the duchesses are said to be bonding over motherhood.