One is known as a glamorous Duchess who has perfectly tailored outfits and is never seen with a hair out of place. The other is known as a laidback American actress who always looks chic yet completely effortless.
Despite the differences in their style and personalities, the media can’t help but compare Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan Markle. Not only that, but the comparisons frequently take a turn towards pitting them against each other.
For example, an article by E! News in December 2017 was entitled, “Meghan Markle Vs. Kate Middleton: Comparing Their First Royal Engagements”. The meaning is very clear: Apparently, two women can’t possibly do their jobs and live their lives without one being better than the other.
In a time when feminism is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, why are we still acting as if two women can’t be equally amazing in different ways? You don’t see articles comparing the bald spots on Prince William and Prince Harry’s heads.
You don’t see William and Harry’s suits compared to each other. What could there be to say? Prince William wore a suit in a much darker shade than Harry today, so clearly there is a rivalry between the two as to who dresses better.
The comparison of Kate and Meghan has taken a very negative tone toward Kate in particular. The Daily Mail ran an article entitled, “Can the Duchess of Cambridge Cope With Meghan Mania?”
The article said, “On the day Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced the wonderful news of their engagement, his sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, was making a low-key visit to a museum. Kate was her usual charming and highly competent self, chatting to youngsters and lending support to a charity associated with the museum. But I couldn’t help noticing that, having been terribly poorly again with her third pregnancy, Kate looked tired.
“Her blue-and-white frock was pretty but mumsy, as if it had come from a 1989 Laura Ashley catalogue.”
The second Meghan and Harry announced their engagement, Kate Middleton was unceremoniously kicked off her pedestal and the media decided she was no longer the girl of the moment.
It’s as if the only thing Kate Middleton thinks about all day is how to stay at the top of the royal pyramid. The comparisons of the royal and soon-to-be royal are just another example of the ways in which women are viewed.
Kate and Meghan are constantly compared in terms of their hair, clothes, makeup, smiles, and attitude. This is no different to the way normal, everyday women view themselves and are viewed by society.
This should be a lesson to us all: Instead of tearing each other down and constantly competing to see who is better, let’s all be our best, individual selves.
Meghan and Kate, you keep doing your thing and we promise to appreciate each of you for your unique, fabulous selves.
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