Kate Middleton vs. Meghan Markle: Future Queen or failed pioneer?

Royal commentator Virginia Blackburn has drawn sharp comparisons between the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex, describing their journeys as “a tale of two women.”

She wrote in The Express that both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were given extraordinary opportunities within the monarchy, but their choices were totally different.

1. Two women, one historic opportunity

Blackburn begins by highlighting the uniqueness of their situations. Both Kate and Meghan came from non-royal backgrounds but were welcomed into one of the most exclusive Royal family of Britain.

“Here’s a tale of two women, both of whom were given extraordinary life opportunities, open only to the tiniest handful at any time in history, with markedly different outcomes,” she wrote.

Kate Middleton, a British commoner who met Prince William at university, on the other hand Meghan, an American actress and humanitarian, were both seen as innovators.

But Blackburn insists they responded very differently to the roles handed to them.

2. Kate Middleton: Rising to the role with grace

Blackburn paints Kate as the symbol of royal duty and discipline. With time, the Princess of Wales has earned appreciation for her composure and sense of responsibility.

“She is under scrutiny 24/7 and yet never loses her temper, never complains, never puts a foot wrong,” Blackburn observed.

In her view, Kate understands the monarchy’s importance not just to the Royal Family, but to the country itself. She balances her support for Prince William with her own independent duties.

“Look at her that day and there’s absolutely no doubt that you are looking at a future queen,” Blackburn declared.

3. Meghan Markle: A missed chance to make history

By contrast, Meghan Markle is portrayed as someone who turned her back on a unique opportunity. Blackburn argues that Meghan’s background positioned her to make history as a groundbreaking royal figure.

“She could have been remembered centuries hence as a pioneer,” Blackburn explained, pointing to her status as the first biracial, American, divorced woman to join the Royal Family.

But instead of seizing that chance, Blackburn claims Meghan failed to see the “bigger picture” and chose a path focused on lifestyle branding and celebrity influence.

“She utterly failed to see the bigger picture and is adrift in a hollow lifestyle which will collapse as soon as the public loses interest in her,” she wrote.

4. ‘Cashing in’ vs. commitment

The royal expert was especially critical of Meghan’s post-royal pursuits, suggesting they are more commercial than historical.

“Both come from backgrounds entirely unrelated to royalty and both were given the chance to step up to the plate. One succeeded spectacularly, the other went off to try to cash in and flog jam,” Blackburn noted.

In contrast, Kate is praised for seeing her role as a lifelong duty, not a career opportunity. “It was not a job opportunity a la Vanessa, but a moment at a crossroads in life,” Blackburn explained.

5. Public scrutiny and legacy

Blackburn also stressed the different ways each woman will be remembered. Kate’s poised presence and growing influence have already made her central to the future of the monarchy.

“She understands what the full meaning of the monarchy is, its importance to the country and her own role within it,” Blackburn emphasized.

On Meghan, however, she was blunt, saying “Does anyone in their right mind think Meghan from Montecito will make the history books?”

6. The larger picture: Tradition vs. rebellion

The comparison underscores broader themes about tradition, responsibility, and modernity in the monarchy. Kate Middleton represents continuity—an heir’s partner who embraces her role as future queen with grace. Meghan Markle, meanwhile, is cast as a figure who sought change but ultimately rejected the very system that gave her influence.

“History called out to both of those women. Only one knew how to respond,” Blackburn concluded.

As Blackburn’s “tale of two women” shows, their lives may forever be contrasted, one defined by royal duty and discipline, the other by what people call missed opportunity.