In March 2024, Kate Middleton made a statement that shocked the world. She was in chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer and having abdominal surgery. Her support system during this time included her husband, Prince William, her father-in-law, her children, her parents, and her siblings. While Kate leans on her brother for support, her relationship with Pippa Middleton has always been unique. A source who spoke to The Daily Express called Pippa “something of an angel and backbone” for the Princess of Wales. She’s always there to help out when needed and provides her sister invaluable “emotional support” during this difficult journey.
But despite having Kate’s back during her illness, news has come to light that might make you do a double-take. According to rumors, the sisters may not be as close as people once thought.
A sibling rivalry between Kate and Pippa Middleton
The sisters have only an eighteen-month age difference. They’ve looked like best friends from a young age, with shared interests in piano, flute, and field hockey, all while going to the same boarding schools. When Kate temporarily split with Prince William in 2007, the two were often seen out and about, enjoying their time as single ladies.
However, one insider said that the sisters have always had a sibling rivalry that resulted from Kate being jealous of Pippa. The source said that Pippa’s natural charm and social popularity sometimes caused a rift between the two. Kate was worried that her sister would overshadow her, and although they have a close relationship, it can sometimes take on a sinister tone since the source says there’s “always a real sense of rivalry between them.”
Pippa upstaged Kate at the royal wedding
When Kate Middleton got married, Pippa was two steps behind Kate, providing support as always. This time, it was literal, and all eyes were on Pippa’s rear end at Kate’s 2011 nuptials. Although Kate was meant to be the center of attention, her sister Pippa stole the spotlight when she wore a figure-hugging dress that even Pippa joked “fitted a little too well.”
Kate didn’t find the mishap as hilarious, and a source said that it was the start of a “quiet war” since the royal family wasn’t impressed with Pippa’s “over-the-top behaviour” at Westminster Abbey, which dominated the headlines.
The Princess of Wales doesn’t like Pippa flaunting bikinis in photos
Kate makes an effort to look as demure as possible and wasn’t impressed when the paparazzi caught images of Pippa showing off her stunning physique in St. Barts while on vacation with her husband, James, and their children. A source told Life & Style that Kate found it “annoying” whenever she feels her sister is showing off her body, but to be fair, it’s not that surprising to wear a swimsuit to the beach!
It may be more that Kate is irritated that she doesn’t have the same freedom as Pippa and can’t wear whatever she wants on vacation. Instead, she’s stuck at home receiving medical treatments and abiding by her royal duties.
Does Kate resent Pippa’s carefree lifestyle?
The term “eldest daughter syndrome” explains some of the traits that older sisters may take on after looking after their little siblings for a lifetime. This “syndrome” may include frequently feeling anxious and responsible for others, as well as feeling resentful towards their siblings.
Based on all these stories, it’s clear that Kate feels resentment towards Pippa and has a grudge for more than a few reasons. Since the royals have to follow such a strict code of conduct, from the way they dress to their body language, it makes sense that Kate craves a bit of freedom and wants to break out of those rigid expectations.
Her sister Pippa Middleton, however, can leisurely behave however she wants to since she’s married to a non-royal. Her husband is a billionaire businessman but isn’t tied to the Crown’s reputation. This means that Pippa can experience all the glamour and wealth of Kate’s lifestyle but doesn’t have to abide by any royal protocol.
Meghan Markle added to tension between Kate and Pippa
Kate Middleton isn’t a big fan of Meghan Markle. The drama began with Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress at Meghan’s Windsor Castle wedding, and it hasn’t stopped since. However, before the wedding, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were getting along, indicating the beginnings of a friendship. Pippa felt threatened by Harry’s fiancee and feared she would lose her sister to Meghan. However, this isn’t anything she had to worry about since Kate and Meghan would stop being friendly shortly after.
In July 2024, rumors swirled that Meghan was willing to let go of the feud with Kate and hoped that Pippa would help initiate a truce to end the estrangement. A source who spoke to Heat magazine said this was a reasonable ask since Pippa has always been “level-headed towards Meghan.”
As Meghan and Harry aren’t exactly popular in royal circles right now, having Pippa on their side would be a major win. Since Pippa formerly felt jealous about losing her sister to Meghan, it’s up in the air whether she will wave the white flag between the women and bring everyone together again.