Meghan Markle's honest verdict after first meeting sister-in-law Kate

Although reports over the years suggest a somewhat strained relationship between the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex, a resurfaced clip from Meghan's engagement interview shows a sweet glimpse into their initial interactions. 

During their 2017 interview with the BBC's Mishal Husain, Prince Harry fondly recalled the anticipation surrounding Meghan's introduction to his family. 

© Pool/Samir Hussein

He shared that his elder brother, Prince William, and Kate were "longing to meet" Meghan, and that the first meeting went "swimmingly". 

Living in close proximity within the Kensington Palace estate allowed for several get-togethers early on.

It was at this point in the conversation that Meghan offered her own perspective on meeting her future sister-in-law. 

© Karwai Tang

Meghan described Kate with a simple yet heartfelt three-word verdict: "She's been wonderful." Harry agreed, adding: "Amazing, as has William as well, you know, fantastic support." 

Relationship shift

However, a few years later, the narrative surrounding their first encounter appeared to shift. When the couple released their explosive Netflix documentary called Harry & Meghan in 2022, Meghan described the initial meeting with a somewhat different tone. 

During the series, Meghan expressed her surprise at how formal the royal family were behind closed doors. In the second episode, the former actress explained: "I met her [Kate] for the first time, I think we went for dinner, I remember I was in ripped jeans and barefoot. I was a hugger, I've always been a hugger, I didn't realise that that was jarring for a lot of Brits." 

© Chris Jackson

As footage of William and Kate aired, she added: "I started to understand that the formality on the outside carried through on the inside, that there is a forward facing way of being, and then you close the door, [sighs], I can relax now. But that formality carries over on both sides and that was surprising to me." 

During the docuseries, Meghan spoke about her dislike of the engagement interview, calling it an "orchestrated reality show". 

Stars aligning

© Getty Images for W+P

In the historic interview, the couple appeared happy and relaxed as they spoke about how the "stars were aligned" when they met and how Harry proposed during a cosy night as he cooked a roast chicken dinner. 

Speaking about the interview, Meghan said: "We went right inside. Took the coat off. Sat down and did the interview. It was all in that same moment."

© Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex

The couple recently returned to the UK with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after six years in Montecito, California. Only time will tell if Meghan and the Princess of Wales rekindle their friendship now that they are living in close proximity.