Princess Anne’s New Daughter-in-Law Wins Palace Approval With Revealing Interview — But Meghan Markle Comparisons Spark Royal Backlash

Princess Anne’s new daughter-in-law, Harriet Phillips, has reportedly received a warm response from senior royals following a high-profile magazine interview, but the positive reception has reignited comparisons with Meghan Markle.

Harriet, who married Peter Phillips in June 2026, recently spoke to Hello! magazine about her family life, charitable interests and relationship with the Princess of Wales.

While her comments have reportedly been welcomed within royal circles, some commentators have contrasted her approach with Meghan’s previous public interviews, prompting a fresh debate among royal supporters.

Palace Sources Reveal Their Reaction to Harriet’s Interview

According to royal commentator Richard Eden, senior members of the Royal Family are “not remotely bothered” by Harriet’s growing media profile.

Despite the attention surrounding her interview, palace sources reportedly view her public appearances positively.

Her understated approach and commitment to charitable causes have been highlighted as reasons for the favourable reception.

Harriet is involved with Home-Start Cotswolds, an organisation supporting families, and has spoken about her charitable interests alongside her new family connections.

Her willingness to discuss these subjects publicly appears to have been well received, according to Eden’s account.

Harriet’s Comments About Princess Kate Attract Attention

One particularly notable aspect of Harriet’s interview was her description of her relationship with Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Harriet indicated that she feels comfortable turning to Kate for advice and guidance, suggesting a supportive connection between the two women.

Her remarks offered a positive glimpse into her experience of joining the extended Royal Family.

The interview also drew attention because of its emphasis on family relationships rather than disagreements within the monarchy.

That distinction became central to the comparisons made by royal commentators.

Meghan Markle Comparisons Trigger Divided Reactions

Eden and other commentators contrasted Harriet’s interview with previous media appearances by Meghan Markle.

They argued that Harriet had chosen to highlight family support and charitable work, while Meghan’s past interviews have included criticism of her experiences within the Royal Family.

The comparison quickly prompted reactions online, including criticism directed at Prince Harry’s wife.

Some commenters accused Meghan of being jealous of Harriet’s reception, although there is no evidence supporting claims about Meghan’s personal feelings.

One commenter wrote: “If she had behaved herself when she first married Harry she too might have now been appreciated and made welcome in the royal family.”

Such reactions reflect individual opinions rather than any confirmed position from Buckingham Palace or Meghan herself.

A Different Kind of Royal Public Profile

Harriet’s circumstances also differ from Meghan’s former position within the monarchy.

As Peter Phillips’s wife, Harriet is connected to the Royal Family but is not a working royal undertaking official duties on behalf of the King.

Meghan, by contrast, previously served as a working member of the Royal Family before stepping back alongside Prince Harry in 2020.

Their different roles make direct comparisons complicated, even as commentators continue to draw parallels between their public appearances.

For Harriet, the recent interview has provided an opportunity to discuss her charitable commitments and relationships within the royal circle.

For Meghan, the renewed commentary has brought familiar disagreements about her royal experience back into the headlines.

While Harriet Phillips’s interview has reportedly received a positive response from senior royals, the comparisons with Meghan Markle have turned an otherwise personal conversation into another source of royal controversy. Neither the Palace’s reported approval of Harriet nor the online criticism establishes how Meghan feels about the interview.