Although relations between the two women are now widely described as strained, Princess Catherine initially had a positive impression of Meghan Markle. Royal author Russell Myers claims that when the pair met in early 2017 — several months into Meghan’s relationship with Prince Harry, 41 — Catherine viewed her warmly.

In an extract from Myers’ book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, Catherine is said to have described Meghan as “friendly,” albeit perhaps slightly too friendly, observing that there was a “touch of California” about her.

At the time, Meghan reportedly also “managed to charm” other senior members of the Royal Family, including Prince William and the late Queen Elizabeth II. She was even said to have performed a “perfect curtsy” when meeting the monarch.

Early Signs of Strain

However, tensions began to emerge soon after Harry and Meghan’s romance became public knowledge, as intense media focus on Meghan’s background dominated headlines.

The “onslaught of media coverage” is said to have deeply upset Harry, prompting him to direct the Kensington Palace communications team to “respond at once – highlighting a wave of abuse and harassment” and referencing what were described as “racial undertones of comment pieces.”

According to Myers, this decision was taken without consulting either William or King Charles III, who was then Prince Charles. The move reportedly went against established royal protocol, leading William and Charles to “admonish” Harry for what were characterised as his “rash actions.”

Around the same time, William, now 43, is said to have privately voiced concerns about how quickly the relationship was progressing.

“It’s easy to forget now, given everything that has gone on, but William did find Meghan quite refreshing at first. He was genuinely happy for Harry and only wanted the best for him,” a palace source told Myers.

Yet the same source suggested there was “one thing” that troubled William — the possibility of a “clash of styles.”

“He (William) definitely saw it as a potential problem on the horizon,” the source added.

Attempts to Welcome Meghan

Despite sharing some of her husband’s reservations, Catherine reportedly made efforts to support Meghan as she adjusted to royal life.

“She (Catherine) adored Harry and had urged William to maintain his relationship with his brother despite their growing differences,” Myers wrote.