Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Zoe Forsey

Meghan Markle 'feels discouraged' by the 'very high standard' set by Kate Middleton

Ever since Prince Harry told the world he was dating American actress Meghan Markle , people starting comparing her to her future sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge.

The two women are the same age, but their upbringings and pre-royal lives were completely different - and they reportedly don't have much in common away from their royal titles.

According to an insider, Meghan finds the constant comparison to Kate, particularly in the press, "discouraging".

The source told Us Weekly that the Duchess of Sussex "feels that there is a standard set very high" by Kate, and that "it’s discouraging that the British public holds her up to that."

Kate married into the Royal Family eight years ago, which means she has much more experience when it comes to official events and engagements.

The two women are very, very different (PA)

Many people have criticised the comparison of the two women, including former royal Sarah Ferguson who knows first hand what it's like to be in their position.

Back in February she spoke openly and honestly about her relationship with her sister-in-law Princess Diana .

The two women, who married brothers  Prince Charles  and Prince Andrew, seemed to be good friends and were often seen at official and casual events together.

But there were also rumours of tension and a rivalry between  the two women , but she confirmed this was never the case.

In an open letter published in  Hello!  to support their #HelloToKindess campaign, she hinted at how people have been comparing  Meghan Markle  and Kate Middleton by referring to comments which were made about her and Diana.

She writes: "Women, in particular, are constantly pitted against and compared with each other in a way that reminds me of how people tried to portray Diana and me all the time as rivals, which is something neither of us ever really felt."

Fergie and Diana were very close (Tim Graham/Getty Images)
They were always compared to each other (Hulton Archive)

Hello!'s online positivity campaign was  launched as a response to a rise in abusive comments  about Meghan and Kate.

Sarah writes: "Take a look at any website, and you’ll see extraordinarily abusive comments aimed not only at people in the public eye but also other internet users. Bullying, sniping, bitching, even the most appalling sexism, racism and homophobia are commonplace – it seems that online, anything goes.

"I believe that it's time to take a stand. This isn't about freedom of speech. The truth is, it's not acceptable to post abuse or threats on social media or news sites, and it's not acceptable to harangue other users simply because they disagree with you.

The four royals used to appear very close (AFP/Getty Images)

"It's not acceptable to pit women against one another all the time."

The two women are reportedly getting closer again after months of reports of a fall out between them and their husbands Princes William and Harry.

A royal source has told  People  that the two women in particular have been getting on much better since Baby Archie was born.

They said: "There is a sense of [Meghan and Kate's] relationship strengthening.

"They’re each a little more relaxed. They have more in common now."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.