Kate’s effortless way with strangers feels like a super power, writes Chris Riches.
OPINION
Catherine, Princess of Wales mixed with the punters at Wimbledon (Image: Getty Images)
If the UK didn’t already have a famous ‘Kate Humble’, the moniker would belong to Catherine Princess of Wales – as recently, her unique and deft common touch shines like a beacon. And her behaviour and ease mingling with the British public stands her in remarkable contrast to Meghan Markle, who appears awkward with us and celebrities alike.
At the end of June, the Princess of Wales completed the 23-mile Three Peaks Challenge in less than 24 hours to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. It is a gruelling slog for anyone, but bear in mind it was not that long ago she was having cancer treatment. Having had cancer myself I know it can take years to physically and mentally recover.
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Kate has been in remission since January 2025 – a year after her planned abdominal surgery uncovered cancer and led to her needing chemotherapy.
During her Three Peaks Challenge she developed a friendship with an 11-year-old paraplegic boy called Ted, from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, who was doing the challenge with family and friends at the same time.
Ted was pushed and carried in his wheelchair by father Pete and 15 other members of his family and friends to raise money for children’s charity Molly Ollys.
On each mountain they met up for a natter and Kate has since donated to Ted’s fundraiser. Ted hailed her “amazing and incredible”.
Then during the first week at Wimbledon, Kate eschewed the Royal Box to sit with ordinary punters at the back of the smaller outside courts watching some of the less glamorous matches.
Meanwhile Meghan – considering she’s an actress – looks so awkward meeting people and there’s no way she would have missed out on the chance to flog some jam to a Royal Box-full of A-listers.
Her ‘With Love, Meghan’ Netflix show demonstrated she can be equally uneasy with celebs too.
For a professional actress, Meghan strangely looks awkward with people (Image: CYRIL ZINGARO/EPA/Shutterstock)
In one episode, America’s arch-queen of woke comedy Mindy Kaling dropped by Montecito “to help Meghan plan a kid-friendly tea party in the garden”.
As they discuss the US fast food brand ‘Jack In The Box’, Mindy excitedly mutters to Meghan: “I don’t think anyone in the world knows that Meghan Markle has eaten Jack In the Box!”
But without a hint of humour, Meghan’s prickly reply was: “It’s so funny, you keep saying Meghan Markle – you know I’m Sussex now?” Meow!!!
That whole Netflix series is so cringy to watch, yet she’s a professional actress!
If Meghan does end up joining Harry during his time back in the UK, it is unlikely Prince William and Kate will be posing with them side-by-side, or even meeting them.
But the British public will be watching Meghan like hawks to see how she matches up to our future queen. It may not be a favourable verdict for the American.