IF YOU’RE EVEN vaguely familiar with the British Royal Family, you’ll know that recent months has seen a distinct shift in the narrative concerning Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
Prior to Meghan’s marriage to Prince Harry in May of last year, after which she became the Duchess of Sussex, reports suggested that the former Suits actress had formed a bond with Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.
Photos of the two women chatting, laughing and generally appearing to enjoy each other’s company appeared alongside these reports, and then – without warning – the tide began turning.
Amid reports of unrest among Meghan and Harry’s staff and rumours of stilted exchanges between Prince William, Prince Harry and their wives over Christmas, it looked like relations had truly soured.
And while those in the public eye are accustomed to changing tides in their media depiction, the fact that the public appears to have become so deeply invested in the new narrative surrounding Kate and Meghan has signalled alarm bells within the Royal Family.
Put simply, the ‘Kate and Meghan rift’ narrative has given rise to two abusive online camps.
And with the public perpetuating the supposed rift to such an extent on various social media platforms, Kensington Palace has now gotten involved.
According to The Guardian, the Palace has sought the assistance of social media companies in an effort to combat the sexist and racist online abuse – the worst of which has been levelled at the two Duchesses – as well as threats of physical violence.
It is understood that staff in Kensington Palace spend hours every week moderating the abuse levelled at the aforementioned duchesses, as well as those supporting them.
Speaking to HELLO! a source reportedly said:
Some of the worst stuff is between Kate fans and Meghan fans. Arguments about who looks more appropriate, for example, that turn into personal attacks on other users.
“It’s creating a supercharged atmosphere and everyone can join in, but what are the consequences of this?” the source added.
The online abuse has appeared on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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