Prince William tactfully navigated a potentially awkward situation following Meghan Markle’s bold remarks on women’s empowerment. The incident occurred in 2020 at the Royal Foundation Forum, where Meghan joined Prince Harry, William, and Kate Middleton in discussing social issues and their foundation’s work.
While still a working royal, Meghan spoke openly on topics like the #MeToo movement and women’s empowerment, straying from the royal custom of avoiding political statements. Royal expert Richard Eden explained on his Royal Confidential podcast that Meghan’s statements may have caused tension behind the scenes.
The Lip Gloss Incident Backstage
According to Eden, Meghan also caused a minor stir backstage by asking to borrow Kate Middleton’s lip gloss, which was a rare and somewhat personal request. In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry recounted how Kate seemed surprised but obliged, though she seemed uncomfortable as Meghan applied the gloss directly. This small gesture highlighted the differences in personal boundaries among the royals.
William’s Subtle Response
During his address, Prince William appeared to subtly acknowledge Meghan’s comments, stating, “The task for us would not be to reinvent the wheel.” Eden suggested that William’s line may have been a gentle reminder of the royal family’s preference for continuity over change. The royal family traditionally maintains a stance of neutrality to avoid clashing with politicians, and William’s choice of words underscored this approach.
Princess Anne’s Influence on William
The phrase “not to reinvent the wheel” echoed sentiments expressed by William’s aunt, Princess Anne, who has often emphasized the importance of royal traditions. Anne has previously warned against attempts to modernize royal behavior, which aligns with William’s cautious approach.
Harry and William Acknowledge Their Differences
In response to Meghan’s comments, William clarified, “We’ve got four different personalities and we’ve got the same passions to make a difference, but different opinions.” Harry then added, “I think those opinions work really, really well. Working as a family does have its challenges, and the fact that everyone is laughing shows they know exactly what it’s like. We’re stuck together for the rest of our lives.”
The exchange at the forum illustrated the contrasting personalities within the royal family. While Meghan’s directness sparked conversation, William’s calm diplomacy maintained the family’s commitment to tradition and respect for differing views.
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