Meghan Markle mocked over latest picture as fans accuse her of ‘copying Kate’

Even thousands of miles removed from the gilded gates of Buckingham Palace, the shadow of the British monarchy continues to loom large over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, currently navigating a high-profile humanitarian tour of Jordan, find themselves at the center of a familiar social media firestorm. This time, the controversy isn’t about their departure from “The Firm,” but rather a single photograph that has critics accusing Meghan of mimicking her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton.

The Sussexes’ journey to the Middle East comes at a time when the Royal Family back in London is grappling with unprecedented turmoil. As the monarchy deals with the legal fallout surrounding the arrest of the former Prince Andrew and his scrutinized ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein, Harry and Meghan have largely focused on their independent business ventures and the upbringing of their two children.

A Private Life in the Public Eye

Life for Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, is a stark departure from the rigid upbringing their father experienced. Since their relocation to a sprawling estate in Montecito, California, several years ago, the couple has sought to carve out a “private life.”

Yet, as critics often point out, some habits are hard to break. Despite stepping back from official duties, the Duke and Duchess have continued to embark on international tours where they are frequently received with the pomp and circumstance typically reserved for working royals. These “quasi-royal” outings have reportedly sparked frustration for King Charles and Prince William. However, the friction at home has not deterred the couple from traveling the world to champion humanitarian causes.

The “Football” Photo That Went Viral

The current tour of Jordan marks the couple’s first major international venture since August 2024. Their itinerary has been packed with heavy-hitting humanitarian work, including visits to refugee camps and emotional meetings with hospitalized children from Gaza.

However, a lighthearted moment at the QuestScope Youth Center within the Za’atari refugee camp near Mafraq has overshadowed the mission’s gravity. During the visit, the Duchess was photographed kicking a football with a group of local children.

As the images circulated online, royal watchers were quick to draw comparisons—and not favorable ones—to the Princess of Wales.

Fans React: “Cosplaying Catherine”

The reaction across social media platforms was swift and biting, with many accusing Meghan of intentionally “copying” Kate Middleton’s well-documented athletic persona.

• “Cosplaying Catherine again. Meghan is obsessed with Catherine,” one user posted via The Express.
• Another skeptic chimed in: “Ok this is actually kind of funny… never kicked a ball in her life.”
• A third critic questioned the couple’s motives: “OMG!!!! They are trying so hard to be William and Catherine!! They left RF because they hated this kind of events and now look at them, they are soooo ridiculous!!!”
• “Look, I’m sporty too, you know!!! Wow she’s obsessed with Catherine,” added a fourth.

A Comparison of Styles

The root of the “obsession” narrative lies in Kate Middleton’s long-standing reputation as the Royal Family’s premier athlete. As the patron of the Rugby Football Union, the Princess of Wales is frequently seen in the thick of the action, whether she’s participating in rugby drills with the Maidenhead Rugby Club or showcasing her prowess on the tennis court.

Critically, many fans pointed back to September 2021, when Kate was photographed in a nearly identical scenario—kicking a football during a visit to the City of Derry Rugby Club in Northern Ireland. For many observers, the visual parallel was too close to be considered a coincidence.

While the Duchess’s supporters argue that engaging in sports with children is a standard diplomatic gesture for any public figure, the intense scrutiny highlights the inescapable comparisons that continue to define the Sussexes’ post-royal identity.

As the couple concludes their stay in Jordan, the debate remains: is this a genuine effort to connect with the youth of a war-torn region, or a calculated attempt to mirror the popular image of the monarchy they left behind?