The sensational claim that Meghan Markle believes she deserves to be Queen—and that Catherine, the Princess of Wales, does not—has stirred fresh controversy in royal circles. This assertion, amplified by various commentators and circulating widely online, paints a picture of deep-seated resentment from the Duchess of Sussex toward the British monarchy. According to perspectives shared by some royal observers, Meghan’s dissatisfaction stems from unmet expectations following her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry. She reportedly anticipated a level of influence and prominence within the institution that never materialized, leading to feelings of betrayal and a subsequent shift toward more confrontational tactics.
Royal discussions have long highlighted tensions between the Sussexes and the core royal family, particularly since the couple’s decision to step back from senior duties in 2020 and relocate to Montecito, California. Insiders and analysts suggest that Meghan viewed her entry into the royal fold as an opportunity for significant power and status, akin to a leading role in a global institution. Instead, the rigid hierarchy of succession and protocol limited her position. Prince Harry, as the younger son of King Charles III, ranks far down the line of succession—currently fifth—and any notion of Meghan ascending to queen consort would require extraordinary circumstances, such as major changes in the line or abdications, which remain highly improbable.
One prominent voice in these debates has been royal biographer Angela Levin, who in early 2026 appeared on television to discuss what she described as Meghan’s ultimate ambition. Levin asserted that the duchess’s “endgame” involves positioning herself as queen, effectively running the country through influence. This claim, while dramatic, underscores a narrative that Meghan harbors ambitions far beyond her current life as a private citizen and entrepreneur in the United States. Critics argue this reflects a misunderstanding of constitutional monarchy, where the sovereign’s role is ceremonial and non-political, and titles like queen consort are tied strictly to marriage to the reigning king.
Compounding these perceptions are reports of ongoing friction, including allegations that waves of divisive rumors and criticisms targeting the royal family originate from Montecito. Some experts contend that Meghan, feeling wronged by the lack of support and perceived slights during her time as a working royal, has engaged in efforts to shape public opinion against certain members of the institution. This includes leveraging media appearances, projects, and social platforms to highlight her experiences, which she frames as exposing systemic issues within the monarchy.
The relationship between Meghan and Catherine has been a focal point of speculation for years. Recent accounts from royal authors suggest that Catherine came to view Meghan and Harry with considerable caution after a series of public disclosures, including the 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview. In that discussion, Meghan addressed private conversations and dynamics that challenged official narratives, leading to what some described as a profound sense of betrayal on Catherine’s part. Sources close to the Wales household have indicated that Catherine believed trust had been irreparably broken, prompting a guarded approach to any future interactions. This mutual distrust has fueled broader narratives of rivalry, with some outlets portraying Meghan as dismissive of Catherine’s suitability for queenship due to differing backgrounds, approaches to royal life, and public personas.

Catherine, who has navigated her role with a focus on duty, family, and charitable work, is widely seen as embodying traditional royal values. Her journey to becoming the future queen consort has involved decades of preparation, public service, and resilience through personal challenges, including health issues in recent years. In contrast, Meghan’s background as an American actress and advocate brought a modern, outspoken style that clashed with established norms. Observers note that Meghan’s frustration may stem from feeling sidelined in favor of the direct line of succession, where Catherine’s position as wife to the heir apparent positions her for queenship by default.
Beyond personal ambitions, some analysts speculate about a broader strategy employed by the Sussexes. Reports suggest Meghan has maintained a private memoir or collection of notes as a potential “weapon” for future use, should relations deteriorate further. This aligns with claims that the couple has sought to control their narrative through selective revelations, partnerships, and independent ventures. From Montecito, they have pursued media deals, charitable initiatives, and business endeavors, including Meghan’s lifestyle brand efforts, which some interpret as attempts to build an alternative platform of influence outside royal constraints.
Critics of the monarchy view these developments as evidence of institutional rigidity and failure to adapt to modern expectations, while supporters argue that the Sussexes’ actions have undermined family unity and protocol for personal gain. The idea of Meghan positioning herself against Catherine in terms of deserving queenship taps into longstanding debates about merit versus birthright in royal roles. Proponents of the traditional system emphasize that queenship is not earned through personal ambition but conferred through marriage and succession rules. Meghan’s reported belief in her own deservingness, therefore, strikes many as fundamentally at odds with how the monarchy operates.
Recent months have seen renewed speculation about the Sussexes’ potential return visits to the UK, possibly for family reasons or events, amid ongoing discussions about security and reconciliation. However, these prospects remain complicated by lingering resentments and differing visions for the future. Some experts predict that any such moves could intensify scrutiny on Meghan’s intentions, with fears that they might seek greater recognition or concessions.
The narrative of revenge and manipulation persists in certain quarters, with claims that Meghan has orchestrated campaigns to challenge royal narratives. Former staff accounts and media analyses have described a dynamic where perceived slights lead to calculated responses, though these remain contested and often anecdotal. The Sussexes, for their part, have emphasized their desire for privacy, independence, and positive impact through their Archewell Foundation and other projects.
Ultimately, the claim that Meghan believes she deserves queenship while deeming Catherine unworthy reflects deeper divides within the royal story. It highlights clashes between tradition and modernity, expectation and reality, and personal agency versus institutional duty. Whether rooted in ambition, perceived injustice, or strategic positioning, these tensions continue to captivate public attention, fueling endless debate about the monarchy’s future and the roles individuals play within it.
As the royal family navigates evolving dynamics in 2026, such stories serve as reminders of the complex interplay between private feelings and public perception. The Sussexes’ life in California offers them freedom from protocol, yet the gravitational pull of royal history—and the speculation it generates—shows no signs of fading.