In the centuries-old institution of the British monarchy, tradition and law have long shaped the destinies of royal women. But in the modern royal era, one woman stood out not only for her grace and composure—but also for the extraordinary support she received from the highest authority in the realm: Queen Elizabeth II. Her name was Catherine Middleton, now the Princess of Wales.
What the public may not have fully realized is that Queen Elizabeth changed the law—twice—specifically to protect, honor, and uplift Kate. These quiet but powerful royal interventions revealed a deep level of trust and affection. Meanwhile, another woman who joined the royal family under much more contentious circumstances—Meghan Markle—received no such favor, and the contrast in treatment has fueled ongoing speculation, resentment, and controversy.
A Royal Entrance: Kate Middleton and the Queen’s First Decree
When Kate Middleton first entered the royal spotlight, she did not come from noble blood. The Middletons were seen as wealthy, but still very much commoners. This status alone stirred whispers behind palace walls, including skepticism from Queen Consort Camilla, who allegedly viewed Kate’s background as unworthy of future royalty.
But Queen Elizabeth had a different vision.
Shortly before Kate’s wedding to Prince William in April 2011, the Queen made an unprecedented move. She issued a royal decree bestowing upon Kate the title “Her Royal Highness” immediately upon marriage. It was more than ceremonial—it was a loud, clear declaration of royal legitimacy. By doing so, the Queen silenced critics and firmly declared Kate as a full and permanent part of the royal family.
The Second Decree: A Law to Relieve a Future Queen’s Burden
A year later, in late 2012, Kate became pregnant with her first child. At the time, British succession laws still followed male primogeniture: sons always took precedence over daughters in the line of succession. Had Kate given birth to a girl, that child would have been pushed down the list if a younger brother came later.
But in a stunning decision, Queen Elizabeth championed a sweeping legal reform: the Succession to the Crown Act. Enacted in 2013—just three months before Prince George was born—the act abolished male preference in succession. Now, the firstborn child, regardless of gender, would inherit the throne.
Though Prince George turned out to be a boy, the law protected Kate from the centuries-old gendered pressure that had plagued royal women for generations. It was a subtle but powerful show of empathy—and it proved that the Queen was invested in Kate’s emotional well-being, not just her ceremonial role.
The Other Side: Why Meghan Markle Never Received the Same Kindness
In stark contrast to the warm support Kate received, Meghan Markle’s entry into the royal family was anything but smooth. From her high-profile lifestyle to her American roots, and most notably her fast-rising influence, Meghan was viewed by royal traditionalists as a disruptor.
According to royal insiders, tensions began brewing early on. Meghan reportedly demanded to wear a specific royal tiara for her wedding, clashing with Queen Elizabeth’s protocols and preferences. While some dismissed it as a minor disagreement, the Queen reportedly saw it as a sign of entitlement and ambition—not reverence.
Unlike Kate, Meghan was not granted special favors. She was never offered a unique royal title beyond “Duchess of Sussex,” and no special laws were altered to accommodate her or her future children. In fact, her son Archie was denied a princely title, which only added fuel to the ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the monarchy.
Public Image and Private Judgment
Though Queen Elizabeth remained publicly neutral in many of the Sussex family’s controversies, her silence during their most turbulent moments—such as the Oprah interview or Meghan’s mental health revelations—spoke volumes to royal watchers.
And yet, the Queen’s quiet distance was not mirrored in her treatment of Kate. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth frequently praised Kate’s poise, calling her “a steady hand” and “an asset to the Crown.” From photo opportunities at Balmoral to holiday traditions and joint appearances, the Queen ensured Kate remained at the heart of royal life.
The Legacy of Favoritism—or Caution?
Royal historians are divided on whether Queen Elizabeth’s differential treatment was based on favoritism or caution. Some argue that Kate, who had dated Prince William for nearly a decade before marriage and had proven her loyalty and discretion, naturally earned the Queen’s trust. Others believe Meghan’s rapid ascent—and her and Harry’s public defiance—never gave the Queen a chance to warm to her.
Whatever the reason, the outcome is clear: two royal women, two dramatically different paths.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Duchesses
In the years since Queen Elizabeth’s passing, the legacy she left behind has been the subject of admiration, inquiry, and debate. But in the contrast between how she treated Kate and Meghan lies one of the most revealing chapters of her reign.
Kate received not only titles, but protection. Not only respect, but proactive change.
Meghan, despite her global popularity and modern appeal, received protocol, not compassion. Distance, not dedication.
Some say this was due to Meghan’s behavior; others insist the monarchy was simply never ready for someone like her.
But one truth remains: Queen Elizabeth changed royal history for one woman—and turned away from another. Whether history sees this as wisdom or bias will depend on the legacy the next generation chooses to uphold.
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