For centuries, women marrying into the House of Windsor have shaped and transformed a dynasty. The choice of princes in choosing their wives has gradually evolved from rich aristocrats to commoners, and then a foreigner. While Prince Harry’s marriage to the American actress, Meghan Markle, defined the Monarchy’s adaptation to modernity, the repercussions were tough for the royal family and the actress. Meanwhile, a girl from middle town England, Kate Middleton, prevailed through decades with pride and dignity. So, who did it better? 

According to an excerpt from Tom Quinn’s latest book, Gilded Youth: An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family, both the daughters-in-law to King Charles are “treated as outsiders by the royal establishment.” Breaking off the core traditions of picking brides from the rich aristocracy, Prince William and Prince Harry chose their life partners, not for the institution but for themselves.

However, the royal protocols and practices did not go easy on either of the two brides. For not belonging to the thick blue blood of a royal household, both Middleton and Markle were “treated in a slightly condescending way.” Nevertheless, as claimed by a Palace staff in the book, Kate Middleton bewitched the royals with her charm, whereas Meghan Markle had a tough time feeling “controlled” by the institution. 

For all we know, while Kate Middleton accepted the challenges hands-on, Meghan Markle tried to break away from them. An insider has even claimed that the massive divide between what we expect of becoming a royal family and the reality apparently disappointed the Suits actress. 

How was Kate Middleton better than Meghan Markle?

The Duchess of Cambridge, as per the book, was much better at dealing with everything that came along with being a Princess. She did not have “Meghan’s messianic tendencies”, claimed the insiders. Be it tabloid culture, strict royal protocols, countless engagements, or the many challenges at every stage of life, Kate Middleton had always had an upper hand in handling her duties. 

Meanwhile, as things went extremely south for the Sussexes, the youngest of King Charles had to get his hands off the monarchy. What they call the infamous Megxit marked the beginning of an endless feud between the Windsors. The renunciation in itself was also a big deal as it marked the upstaging of a royal in higher ranks to those who left in the royal crackdown.

What are your opinions on the matter? Who do you think came out with the better way to thrive in the British Monarchy? Let us know in the comments below.