Some have gone as far as to say Meghan may have tricked Kate into a truce by attending the tennis together, but that the show of friendship was fake, as her cover decision feels like a swipe at Kate. “Meghan went to every length to ensure she was seen as the most powerful and influential one,” the source adds.
The source also claims Meghan said she wasn’t going to play it safe, as she “was the duchess who would be making groundbreaking waves”.
Despite the Queen, Princess Diana, Princess Anne and the late Princess Margaret all appearing on the front of the prestigious magazine, its current editor Edward Enninful explained why Meghan decided not to follow the tradition.
“From the very beginning, we talked about the cover – whether she would be on it or not. In the end, she felt that it would be in some ways a ‘boastful’ thing to do for this particular project. She wanted, instead, to focus on women she admires,” he wrote in an editor’s note. However, the insider claims these words came directly from the duchess.
“Meghan could be controlling, and despite editors trying to give their input, she shot them down,” said the source.
Meanwhile, in his Vogue interview with conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, Harry also managed to make a comment that seemingly takes aim at his brother. While Harry explained his commitment to helping preserve the world for the next generation by having a small family, Dr Goodall said she hoped the prince wouldn’t have “too many” children.
Harry’s response of “Two, maximum!” has been seen by many as a shot at William, who has three children and possibly more on the way.
It seems Harry and Meghan are struggling to keep royal fans on side, as the duchess in particular has faced criticism for her decision not to include the Queen on the cover, and some say the whole concept has been copied from a similarly styled 2016 Australian book about female trailblazers.
But it’s Meghan and Harry’s demand for more privacy while launching such a high-profile project that has come under the most fire. Their position wasn’t helped by reports that a staff member issued their Frogmore Cottage neighbours with instructions aimed at maintaining the couple’s privacy. During a meeting, residents who live nearby were reportedly told they must not approach or talk to the couple, ask after Archie or even pat the family’s dogs.
One resident told The Sun newspaper: “It’s extraordinary. We’ve never heard anything like it. Everyone who lives on the estate works for the royals and knows how to behave respectfully.” The Sun claimed Buckingham Palace later explained that an “overly protective palace official” was responsible and the royal couple knew nothing about the meeting.
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