Princess Kate Wins Fashion Brands Loyalty As Meghan Markle Faces First UK Setback
Princess Kate appears to have secured an important advantage with British fashion brands following Meghan Markle’s return to the UK, as insiders claim some labels are reluctant to work with the Duchess of Sussex because they do not want to jeopardise their relationship with the future Queen.
Kate and Meghan have frequently found themselves compared over everything from their royal roles to their fashion choices, particularly following revelations about difficult moments between the Sussexes and Waleses during their years together as working royals.
Meghan’s return to Britain has now created another potential source of comparison, with attention turning towards which British designers and fashion labels the former Suits actress could choose for her anticipated public appearances.
However, even before Meghan begins making regular appearances, one fashion insider has claimed that some brands are already discussing whether working with the Duchess could potentially affect their existing relationship with Catherine.
According to a source speaking to the Express, the Princess of Wales remains the priority for certain labels because of her prominent position within the working monarchy and her future role alongside Prince William.
“We’ve had to have a meeting about it,” the insider revealed, suggesting Meghan’s renewed presence in Britain has generated genuine internal discussions among people working within the fashion industry.
“We were about to send some products to her team when someone asked, ‘Is it worth it?’, as we currently have Kate and other royals wearing our brand,” the source continued.
The comments suggest some companies may view access to both women as potentially complicated, particularly if they believe supporting Meghan could somehow affect their chances of having products worn by Kate or other working royals.
Another source made the alleged preference even clearer, saying: “The Princess is our priority, and we’ve decided to continue supporting her,” highlighting the commercial importance brands can attach to a royal endorsement.
“We don’t want to risk losing her, so Meghan won’t be getting anything from us,” the insider added, revealing what appears to be a firm decision by at least one unnamed fashion label.
Kate’s fashion choices routinely attract widespread attention, meaning the Princess wearing a particular dress, pair of earrings or accessory can provide significant exposure for the designer responsible for the item.
Meghan similarly remains a globally recognised fashion figure whose outfits can generate substantial media coverage. Her return to Britain could therefore provide opportunities for local brands seeking international attention through her public appearances.
There is no evidence that Kate has personally asked any fashion label to choose between her and Meghan, and the reported decisions appear to have been made independently by unnamed industry figures rather than at the Princess’s request.
Likewise, the insider comments do not establish that British fashion houses broadly intend to reject Meghan. They reveal only that some industry figures are reportedly considering how best to manage relationships with both high-profile women.
Still, Meghan may be discovering that returning to Britain brings a very different fashion landscape from the one she left behind. With Kate firmly established as Princess of Wales and future Queen, some brands appear determined to prioritise Catherine rather than risk a valuable royal relationship by extending the same support to Meghan.
